Vasilios Mihail Katsaitis

Vasili (Bill) age 82, passed away at his home in Franklin TN, surrounded by his family on Monday, February 25, 2019. He was born on October 4, 1936 in Piraeus, the main port of Greece to (proceeded in death) Mihail Katsaitis (Nitsa Katsaitis) and Erene Tortorelis (Takis Tortorelis).

He served in the Greek Navy as a steward to the Admiral, which led him to land the Head Steward on cruise ships that took him around the world from Australia, to Japan, South Africa, and every port in the United States from New York, to Miami, New Orleans, Seattle and Juneau. He knew the Mediterranean Sea like the back of his hand. While serving passengers around the globe he was able to communicate in five different languages.

With the help of his brother-in-law, Tony Tantaris, he brought his whole family to the United States in 1979. They settled in Middle Tennessee where he along with his wife eventually owned and operated a restaurant in Shelbyville, TN. He survived an armed robbery while at his restaurant in 1998 where he was shot in the abdomen.

Vasili enjoyed traveling, grilling and playing backgammon; his favorite movie that he could watch repeatedly was “Back to the Future”. He was a true gentleman, a charmer some would call him, with a positive, loving and gentle nature.

He leaves behind many who mourn his passing: his wife of 55 years, Effie Katsaitis; his children Michael Katsaitis (Kathy) and Irene Katsaitis, OD; siblings, Angeliki Denaxas (Mihail), (proceeded in death) Spiro Katsaitis (Erene); four grandchildren Vasili, Yiota, Eva and Lily, and many nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at Marshall Donnelly Combs Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a Trisagion Service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 1, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4905 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37220.