Steve Bill Marutsos

Steve Bill Marutsos beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, godfather, husband and friend went to rest peacefully with the Lord on April 22, 2025 with his loving family by his side. He was 94 years old.

Steve was born November 15, 1930 in the village of Achladokampos, Argolis, Greece. He was the 3rd of five children born to Vasilios and Anastasia (Makris) Marutsos. As a young boy, he worked in the town of Argos repairing bicycles and eventually automobiles and trucks to help provide for his family. The German occupation of Greece during the Second World War and the subsequent Greek Civil War (1946-49) made life in Greece difficult.

In 1951, with the help of the AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) organization and another immigrant from his home village in Greece that lived in Chicago, Illinois, Steve and his younger brother George, were able to come to the United States for a chance of a better life. They lived in Chicago for their first 3 years in America, Steve working at first in a pie factory and later in an automotive carburetor and tune-up shop. Since Steve had learned the automotive trade in Greece, this was a more natural fit.

By 1954, Steve had earned some time off enabling him to visit his aunt that lived in San Bernardino, CA. The climate and geography of San Bernardino was very similar to the region in Greece where Steve and George came from, so they relocated to California. Steve lived in San Bernardino for 71 years.

Steve had purchased the auto repair shop where he worked and upon the return of his brother George from U.S. military service, the two formed the Marutsos Brothers partnership which successfully owned and operated various automotive related businesses.

In 1960, Steve married Penny Zaharopoulos (also a native of Greece) and the couple had three children, Vasiliki (Vicki), Konstantine (Dino) and James (Jim). Steve and Penny were married for 26 years.

Always a very hard worker and dedicated to provide for his family, Steve worked up until age 86. Often a man of few words, he was humble and treated others with respect. In turn, he was well respected by the community, his family and friends. Steve was active in the early days of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church and a member of the Order of AHEPA, Arrowhead Chapter 302. He liked working in his yard at home, tending to his fruit trees and vegetables, and cooking or barbecuing a Sunday afternoon meal for family and friends to enjoy.

Steve is survived by his sister, Nota Sellis of Achladokampos, Argolis, Greece, his daughter Vicki (Schiappa) sons Dino and Jim, and daughters-in-law Kristin (Dino) and Nikki (Jim) and grandchildren, Nicoletta (Vicki), Kosta (Vicki), Stelios (Jim) and Evi (Jim). Steve was preceded in death by his father and mother, brothers George and Nikolaos and sister Sophia Parashos.

Kalo Taxidi, Dad.

May his memory be eternal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in the memory of Steve Marutsos can be made to Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church (P.O. Box # 311, San Bernardino, CA 92402)