Obituary of John Poulos

John L. Poulos Age 90, of Apopka, FL and former longtime Chicago/Downers Grove and Plainfield, IL resident, passed away peacefully, Sunday, August 2, 2015 at Serenades by Sonata, Longwood, FL. Born in Chicago, IL February 7, 1925 to the late Louis and Dina (nee Lambesis) Poulos. John graduated from South Shore High School where he was an all-star athlete on the All-City basketball team, a competitive wrestler, and on their baseball team. He enlisted with the Coast Guard during WWII stationed on Long Island where he continued to play baseball and received an offer to be drafted by the New York Yankees. After being honorably discharged in April of 1946, he went on to obtain his Bachelor's Degree from George Williams College while working full-time in his father's restaurant. It was during this time that he took up golf. John was an avid golfer playing in many tournaments winning numerous trophies. Cog Hill was his home away from home where he once served as President of the Men's Club. Upon his father's death, John operated Homestead Restaurant and the laundromat next door until 1960. He then began his career with Spiegel, Inc. managing their employee cafeterias. Promoted in 1972 to Labor Relations Manager, he took on grievance hearings and negotiating union contracts in addition to his cafeteria duties; eventually working his way to a Director with the medical, security, food service and labor departments reporting to him. Retiring in 1993, his colleagues gave him an unprecedented celebration in his honor. Preceded by his loving wife Irene (nee Schassburger) Poulos (1986); Jeanne (nee Mercer) Poulos (2008); his brother, Paul Poulos (2010); brothers-in-law, Michael Schassburger (1991) and Marion Lilja (2008); and sister-in-law, Eleanor Lilja (2014). Survived by his loving daughter, Denise (Jim) Drackley; beloved Papou of Irene, John and Alden. His loving sisters-in-law, Frances Poulos and Virginia Schassburger; brothers-in-law, Ronald (Florence) Schassburger and Robert (Laura) Schassburger; and an uncle to many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services for John Poulos will be held Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 8:45 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Joliet for services at 9:30 a.m. Interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Evergreen Park, IL with full military honors to be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Coast Guard. Visitation Friday, 3-8:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Trisagion services at 5:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John the Divine Capital Campaign Fund 3850 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207 or www.stjohnthedivine.com in memory of John Poulos or to www.alz.org, Walk for Alzheimer's, Team Serenades, in memory of John Poulos. For information (815) 741-5500.