Chicago businessman and philanthropist Chris P. Tomaras passed away this morning in Chicago, leaving a legacy behind that emphasized education for Greek American youth and civic support of various community institutions.
Tomaras, born in Pireaus, emigrated to the United States in 1968 and was involved in numerous business throughout his early years in the country, most notably the gyro manufacturing giant Kronos, which he founded in 1975 that ultimately grew to become the largest gyro meat manufacturer in the nation.
He was a major donor and supporter of numerous Greek cultural, religious and civic associations with a major gift to the St. Iakovos Camp and Retreat Center of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, where a building is named after him.
But his biggest contribution to society was the education of young people and his PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation that he founded and grew to become the nation’s largest scholarship-giving foundation for Greek Americans. To date, more then 300 college students have received grants totaling more than $2 million.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Tomaras in Chicago are pending further notice.
2 comments
Chris Tomaras was my very good friend and a role model to many. As a member of the “Leadership 100”, I can attest to the fact that he helped many charitable organizations and people in need over many years. He will definitely be missed by our community. May he rest in peace and may his memory be forever eternal.
Nos ha dejado un gran hombre, quien sólo quiso compartir con sus paisanos y su comunidad el éxito que con gran esfuerzo forjó en su vida y con su espiritu altruista y lleno de filantropía ayudó a muchos jóvenes a forjarse un gran porvenir. Nuestra Colectividad se adhiere al profundo dolor que deja su partida en la esperanza que un hombre bueno y heleno alcanzará el Olimpo, donde será acogido por Zeus como uno de sus hijos más dilectos.