Steve Chaldares
May 8, 1920 ~ February 3, 2005
Steve Chaldares, 84, of Weirton, passed away Thursday February 3, 2005, at the Inn at Wyngate. He was born to Louis and Theodora Tempos Chaldares on May 8, 1920, in Weirton, WV.
He graduated from Weir High School in 1939. A member of what has been called the Greatest Generation, Steve served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in the Aleutian Islands during World War II.
On August 24, 1947 he married Helen Pantelaras.
One of Weirton’s last independent grocers, he, along with his father and sisters first owned and operated Chaldares Market in Weirton’s North End. Later he opened the Weirton Heights Foodland with his wife Helen, and operated it for over 30 years until his retirement in 1985. The people who walked through his doors were not just his customers; they were also his friends. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Always a gentleman, he will be remembered for his integrity and his generosity.
He was a member of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, All Saints Senior Citizens, AHEPA, Paleofokiano Society, and the VFW 2716.
Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, on October 18, 1977; his parents, Louis and Theodora; and an infant child.
Survivors include his son, Dr. Louis Chaldares, and his wife Dr. Diane of Waynesboro, VA; daughter, Maria Kiefer and her husband William of Weirton; sisters, Sylvia Blavos of Greensboro, NC and Irene Crist of Ft. Pierce, FL; grandchildren, Christopher, Stephen and Alex Kiefer and Brian and Leah Chaldares; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 1-3 and 7-9PM, at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. AHEPA services will be held at 1 PM and Trisagion services will be held at 7:30 PM, in the funeral home.
Additional visitation will be held Monday from 10AM until the 11AM funeral services at the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton.
Reverend Father Terry Linos will preside.
Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens with Military Services conducted by the VFW Firing Squad and the Evert Maki American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church Restoration Fund, 3528 West Street, Weirton, WV 26062, or to Athena’s Closet, Box 3149, Weirton, WV 26062.
Share tributes with his family at www.grecohertnick.com.
Dear Kiefer Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I will never forget being able to walk into Wendy’s at noon any day of the week and find one happy man eating lunch with his loving daughter and family. He was a joy to see as he always had a smile on his face. Please let me know what my family or I can do to help. Much Love, Deanna (Marsh) Yensen
Maria and Lefty Your father was a very special man. His genuine kindness radiated to all those who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. Nikki Ameredes
Maria and Family, Our sincere condolences on the lost of your father. May God be with you as you take this difficult journey.
Dear Keifer family, Our sincerest sympathy on the loss of your father and grandfather. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.May God bless you and hold you in his loving arms. Jeanie & Jennifer McHenry
Dear Maria and Family: Please accept my deepest sympathy on the death of your father. I remember all the shopping I did at Chaldares Market and Foodland and how upset I was when Mr. Chaldares sold the store and retired. It was a pleasure to shop there because customers were always greeted with a smile and a warm “hello” by your Dad. And, when I would see him after his retirement in a restaurant or K-mart or anywhere, he was always just as warm and friendly. He was a good man and I know you all will miss him. Let your memories be your comfort and your faith be your peace in the days ahead. With sympathy, Josie & Sam Cekinovich
Maria and Lefty, I remember growing up in the Orchard Street neighborhood and what a kind man your father was. You were so lucky to have him for so long and it sounds like his pleasant personality radiated in his later years. God Bless your family and remember all the good times you had with him.