Gus John Kortesis

Gus John Kortesis, 73, of Winston-Salem passed away Friday, September 19, 2008 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. He was born December 27, 1934 in Mouzilo, Greece to John and Efrosene Kortesis. He came to America in 1950 eagerly wanting to live the ""American Dream."" He first settled in the Virginia area working with relatives. He then enlisted in the United States Army in July 1954 and served his country well. After his military endeavors, he settled in Winston-Salem and began his career as a restaurateur. Initially, he bought Morris Service Coffee Shop with Paul Rogatsios in the early 1970's. He and his partner later opened King Kitchen in King, N.C. where he spent the remainder of his career. He was an active man who loved the outdoors, exercising, deep sea fishing, and discussing politics with all his friends at Grecian Corner. One word exemplifies Gus' life - ""family."" His love for his wife and children was only surpassed by his love for his grandchildren. He valiantly battled cancer for many years overcoming overwhelming odds. Despite his passing, his courage and strength will live on forever and serve as a permanent example to all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, George Cortesis. Surviving are his wife, Niki Kortesis of the home; his sons, John and wife Renee, and Bill; three grandchildren, Costa, Demetri and Nicole; a sister, Demetra Kortesis of Athens, Greece; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 22 at The Greek Orthodox Church with Father Demetri Kangelaris, Father Dennis Canavos, and Father George Kiricoples officiating. Burial will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Sunday, September 21 at The Greek Orthodox Church with a Trisagion Service at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gus' memory to the American Cancer Society, 4 A Oak Branch Dr., Greensboro, NC 27407.

Memorials:
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gus' memory to the American Cancer Society, 4 A Oak Branch Dr., Greensboro, NC 27407.

Cemetery:
Forsyth Memorial Park

Visitation:
07:00pm - 08:30pm on September 21, 2008 at Greek Orthodox Church

Service:
Service at 02:00pm on September 22, 2008 at Greek Orthodox Church