JOHN “CHUCK” STAVROULAKIS

John “Chuck” Stavroulakis, 88, of Hanover Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. John was a 1954 graduate of Union High School in Burgettstown, PA. He married the love of his life, Glenda Holland, on March 11, 1962, in the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, WV. Although John and Glenda both attended Union High School, they actually met at the Friday night square dances held at the Frankfort Springs Grange. They began dating and the rest is history.

In addition to his Wife, John is survived by daughter Cristol Stavroulakis of Hanover Township, Pennsylvania; daughter Diana Lynn Stavroulakis, Esquire, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Grand- Dog Demetria Argero Stavroulakis, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Sister Josephine (Stavroulakis) Estel of Sacramento, CA; Sister- in-Law Mary Stanley of Sacramento, CA; and several Nephews, Nieces, Great- Nephews & Great- Nieces, and Great- Great Nephews & Great-Great Nieces.

A First Generation American, John was born September 29, 1936, in Washington, Pennsylvania, to the late Argero (Makridakis) Stavroulakis, and Joseph Stavroulakis, who emigrated to the United States through Ellis Island, New York, from Crete, Greece. Joseph owned The Pittsburgh Restaurant on Main Street in Washington, PA. Unfortunately, John’s Father passed away unexpectedly when John was only 5 years old. Several years later, his Mother married the late George E. Pappas, also an immigrant from Crete, Greece, who designed, built, owned and operated The Victory Lounge in Hanover Township. When his family moved from the city atmosphere of Washington and settled into the beauty and tranquility of rural Hanover Township, John flourished and found his true home.

John helped his Step-Father, whom he called “Dad,” at the bar from a young age. Over the years, he took on more responsibilities until he became partners with his Step-Father. Ultimately, John became the sole owner and operator of the family business for 70 years, until his recent passing. During John’s lifetime, his daughter, Cristol, worked at the bar with him when home from college on summer breaks. When John’s health changed in 2021 and he was unable to continue handling day-to-day operations, his Daughter, Diana Lynn, became the third generation to step in and manage the family business.

Patrons of the Victory knew John as “Chuck” and “Strav,” and appreciated his sense of humor, fun-loving manner, and good advice. After his death, many long-time friends and customers described him as “always cool,” “a legend,” and an “icon.” He was certainly larger than life to his family. Chuck often boasted that in his 70 years of business, he served 5 generations of local families. Chuck’s family appreciates when those long-time customers come to The Victory and share their stories from back in the day. Patrons who have moved away still stop to visit The Victory when back in town because the bar holds so many special memories. Entering The Victory is like walking into a time capsule, where people can reflect fondly about coming in with their Fathers and Grandfathers, or recall drinking their first “legal” beer at The Victory when turning 21. Chuck preserved the vintage ambiance of the bar, hand-crafted by his Dad, which pays homage to the charm of “the good old days.”

John’s life story exemplifies the promise of the American Dream. The second son of Greek immigrants whose first language at home was Greek, John graduated high school, married his sweetheart, built a new home for his family, insured that both his daughters went to college, quietly helped many within the community when they were in need, and he did so by maintaining a successful local bar where everyone knows one another, and many refer to it as their ‘home.’ John created a space where the patrons not only belong to The Victory Lounge Family, but are also part of its living history and a testament to his legacy. He will live on when patrons talk about fun times in his bar, whether just having a few drinks, celebrating special occasions, or enjoying his famous Greek Salads, Hot Roast Beef, Fresh Cut Fries & Gravy, Fish Sandwiches, and delicious Cheese- burgers.

John served in the United States Army and the National Guard. He was a 60+ year Mason and belonged to the Richard Vaux Masonic Lodge. He was a member of the Scottish Rite of Pittsburgh, as well as Pittsburgh’s Syria Shriners.

John was his happiest spending time with family and reminiscing over a good cup of coffee. He was an avid gardener and took great pride in his well-maintained yards, both at his home and the acreage behind the bar. He loved getting on his Kubota and mowing for hours.

John especially enjoyed visiting Raccoon Creek State Park, which he referred to as a “hidden gem.” Regardless of the season, he loved driving through the park and enjoying the serenity and peacefulness found within all those trees. At the opposite end of the spectrum, he also enjoyed the thrill and late-night excitement during his annual trips to Las Vegas, Nevada, with his daughter, Diana Lynn. But, he would always say “it’s nice to go away, but it’s even nicer to come home.”

John was Greek Orthodox and belonged to the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, WV. He was a classic movie buff, enjoying cinema from the Golden Age, with his favorite movie being Casablanca. He loved music and, more recently, loved to request songs from “Alexa” so he could sing along. He was an avid boxing fan, enjoyed keeping up with the Penguins & Pirates, and loved watching football– particularly WVU and the Steelers (… although he would tell you nothing compared to “The Steel Curtain” days). John looked forward to quiet moments when he could sit in his favorite recliner and surf the internet on his iPad or work crossword puzzles while having a cup of coffee. He also enjoyed when his Grand-Dog, Demetria, would interrupt those peaceful moments by dropping her favorite ball at his feet and staring at him until he agreed to play fetch.

John is predeceased by his Mother, Argero Pappas; Father, Joseph Stavroulakis; Step Father, George E. Pappas; Brother, George Stanley; Sister, JoAnn Thomas; infant Brother, Stavros Stavroulakis; Brother- in-Law, George A. Thomas, Sr.; Grand-Dog, Princess Daphne Stavroulakis; and Family Companion Dogs, Skilo, Skeeter, and Cassandra.

Friends and Family attended his public viewing Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Steel & Wolfe Funeral Home, 380 Penco Road, Weirton, WV, where Masonic Funeral Honors were rendered by Richard Vaux Lodge No. 454 F. & A. M. His funeral was held Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 3528 West Street, Weirton, WV, officiated by Father Matthew Moore. Serving as pallbearers were his Daughter, Diana Lynn Stavroulakis, Esq.; Nephews George A. Thomas, Jr., of Moon Township, PA, and Gregory Thomas, of Washington, PA; Neighbor (like a Grandson) Scott Weaver, of Hanover Township, PA; close family friends, Dr. George Mascio, of Weirton, WV, and Marc Bailey, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; and Cousin and Brother Mason, James B. Reed II, of Paris, PA. Prior to interment at Chestnut Ridge Cemetery, Hanover Township, PA, the funeral procession drove past John’s home and paused for a moment in front of The Victory. Military Honors were rendered at the cemetery by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post No. 10 Honor Guards. John received a 21-gun salute. After services concluded at the cemetery, Family and Friends returned to the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church Hall for a traditional Makaria (mercy) luncheon.

The family expresses their thankfulness to Dr. John Cherian, Dr. Emmanouel Coroneos, Dr. Amar Khurana, and Dr. Kevin Kelly for their excellent care and kindness watching over John these past several years. Additionally, the family is grateful for the compassion extended by Shelby, Ashley, Doug, Heather and the entire CCU staff at WMC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 3528 West Street, Weirton, WV 26062.