Peter G Garifalis

Peter George Garifalis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, Navy veteran, businessman, and proud Greek-American, fell asleep in the Lord on September 14th, at the age of 93.

Peter was born on September 23, 1932, in Agoriani, Laconia, Greece, to George and Tasia Garifalis. In 1947, he immigrated to the United States. On the morning of his 15th birthday, he awoke aboard ship to the sight of the Statue of Liberty as he arrived in New York Harbor.

Settling in Chicago, Peter attended Englewood High School, where he learned English, graduated, and earned a scholarship to Purdue University. Rather than attend college, he chose to serve his new country. From 1952 to 1956, Peter served in the United States Navy as an Electrician’s Mate, including service aboard the destroyer USS Frank E. Evans (DD-754) during its deployment to Korean waters.

After his Navy service, Peter returned to the Chicago area and built a successful career in the restaurant and tavern business. He owned and operated the Grove restaurants in Downers Grove and Lombard and Minuette in Lisle, retiring in 1992.

In 1966, Peter married Marianthi (Papadopoulos) Garifalis, his lifelong love. Together they raised their three children — George; Anastasia “Anna” Angelos (John); and Nick (Vicky) —and made their home primarily in Downers Grove, Illinois. He took great pride in his family, including his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Peter remained deeply connected to his Greek heritage and Orthodox faith throughout his life. He and Marianthi were married at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, where their children were also baptized. He was a longstanding and proud member of the Order of AHEPA. An avid hunter and reader, Peter valued family, faith, hard work, independence, and the opportunities America provided him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marianthi; his children and their families; his sister, Helen Verven of Houston, Texas; his sister-in-law, Flora Psihogios; his grandchildren Angelo (Christina), Peter (Ana), Leonidas, Jacob, Arianna, and Marianthe; and his great-grandchildren Anastasia and Yianni.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Tasia Garifalis; his sister, Harriet Vasilakis, and her husband, Nick Vasilakis; and his brothers-in-law, George Verven, George Psihogios, and Louie Papadopoulos.

Peter’s life was a remarkable journey from a small village in Greece to a full American life built through faith, family, service, hard work, and perseverance.

His journey began in Agoriani. He built his life in America. His legacy lives on in his family.

May his memory be eternal.

Αιωνία η μνήμη

A visitation will be held on September 19, 2026 from 9:30am until 10:00am at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 2501 S. Wolf Road, Westchester, IL 60154, followed by a Funeral Service to begin at 10:00am. Interment Chapel Hill Garden West Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church.