Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 18, 2017

CHARLOTTE - Gus Karres passed away peacefully on November 18, 2017, at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife, of 56 years, Patricia, his son Nick, his daughter Phyllis Gianakopoulos, his son-in-law Gus Gianakopoulos and grandchildren Elias and Constance Gianakopoulos.

He was preceded in death by his parents Niko and Panagiota Ardamis Karigiannis, his sister Paraskevi Harakas, his brothers Dimos Karigiannis and Theodore Karres.

He was a member and servant of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church. He served on the parish council and was a chairperson for many philanthropic events. He was an active member of Young At Heart at St. Nektarios. He served as President of the Adelphotis Arahoviton Karyae.

Gus was born in his family home in Karyes, Greece on December 28, 1932. He attended school in Tripoli, Greece and graduated high school in Athens, Greece. He immigrated to the United States in 1951 at the age of 18 and lived with his Uncle Matthew and aunt Mathena Karres. With his Uncle Matthew, they opened Providence Cleaners where he would dedicate 41 years to the business.

In 1961, he visited his family in Karyes, Greece, where he was reacquainted with Patricia. They were married a month later and were blessed with 56 years of marriage. They made Charlotte their home and their children were born soon thereafter. He enjoyed his family and many friends. He coached soccer and enjoyed being a fan of all sports and was always the loudest supporter at his children’s sporting events. He enjoyed singing his favorite Greek songs. He collected friends throughout his life. His warm smile never left his face.

Gus sold his business in 1995 and started the next chapter of his life, filled with travel, cruises, trips to Greece and daily walks. He was blessed with two precious grandchildren and was a devoted and proud grandfather.

Gus was a dedicated and faithful servant, who cherished his Greek Orthodox faith. He was a pious man, who lived out his faith and was grateful for his life’s blessings. He loved America and was a proud U.S. citizen. He greatly valued what this great country stood for and appreciated the opportunities it provided.

A boy that Gus knew all his life, as well as a close friend to his son, would become his dedicated doctor, Dr. Peter Copsis. The family will be eternally grateful for his incredible and dedicated care.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM followed by a trisagion at 7:00 PM at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church. The family will also receive friends on Wednesday beginning at 10:00 AM followed by the funeral at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to The Building Fund at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, 5108 Kuykendall Rd. Charlotte NC, 28270.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.