Obituary of Michael Hatzis

Michael Nicholas Hatzis Michael Hatzis, 86, of Joliet, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center following a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born and raised in Danbury, CT, on May 17, 1922 to the late Nicholas and Haiditsa (Yiotos) Hatzis. Mike was a graduate of Danbury High School and the University of Illinois. Devoted husband and best friend of Georgia "Jean" (Pelias) Hatzis. They were married on August 22, 1948 and spent 60 wonderful years together. Loving father of Susan (Eric) Nelson of Naperville, Michele (Gary) Polvere of Barrington, and Dr. Nicholas (Colleen Mulcahy) Hatzis of Chicago. Cherished grandfather of Stephanie, Alexander and Marissa Polvere, Jennifer and Elizabeth Nelson, and Michael and Patrick Hatzis. Also survived by a sister, Mary Hatzis and sisters-in-law, Cathy Hatzis of Danbury, CT, and Evelyn "Bea" (William) Michas of Joliet, four nephews, Steven Hatzis and Christopher (Vicky) Hatzis, Thomas (Susan) Iskalis and Stephen (Molly) Iskalis and a niece, Sylvia Michas. Preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Manny Hatzis, his parents-in-law, Stephen and Sylvia Pelias, a sister-in-law, Betty Iskalis Krier and two brothers-in-law, Constantine Iskalis and Wallace Krier. Mike was a member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church where he served as President and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees. He also was a member of AHEPA serving as President, Vice-President and Treasurer, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Shorewood. Mike served his country during World War II in the 69th Infantry Division (U.S. Army) in Germany which participated in the Battle of the Bulge and were the first to meet the Russians in Germany. After the war, Mike attended the University of Illinois where he met the love of his life, Jean. They married and settled in Joliet in 1951. He was employed by Zenith Life Insurance Company, serving as Vice-President and Treasurer, and then with AON Corporation for eleven years, retiring in 1992. After his retirement, Mike most enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing bridge and his morning breakfast group which included his most devoted friend and brother-in-law, "Bill" Michas. Mike was a man of integrity, who lived his life by the "golden rule". His family, friends, and all who knew him will always remember him as a gentle and kind man. He always stood in the shadows to let others shine. He was appreciated by everyone for his kindness and wit. Funeral services for Michael N. Hatzis will be Monday, January 12, 2009, 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, where services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. Memorials in his name to Joliet Area Community Hospice or All Saints Greek Orthodox Church would be appreciated. Visitation Sunday, from 3-8 p.m. with Trisagion Services at 7:00 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500