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Tribute To a Greek-American

Tribute to a Greek-American ~~Peter Kogeones, RIP~~ Owner of the Grocery Diana, on Halstead Street in Chicago was the merriest Greek, I ever did meet! He worked day and night and brought joy to all. Who came to buy products or came for wine and a joy-filled dinner galore. Petros,so cordially, did greet, all at the front door! Your "OPA"was filled with such love and laughter! I still can hear it, though it's been decades after! You loved to wear a cowboy hat. How you loved America, no question of that! You got to be in an American movie, "A Dream of Kings!" Featured with Anthony Zorba, no less. What a great accomplishment for you, Petros! Your handsome, tall, brother, Theodosius, was so ecstatic for you. Thank you for the happiness you shared with so many. And the best Greek cooking, I tested ever, served with joy, love and laughter! But Petros, I wanted you to really know... for me, your ebullient Greek spirit and your outstanding love, respect and honor for America was never, not for a single second, wasted on me. What an loving and excellent example of humanity, you were amd always will be for me. S'Agapo! Panagiota Romios July 29, 2019 Noon. PST

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Kim Rodrigues

Date: 7/31/2019 12:36:00 PM

Love it! Embracing family and patriotism. I found out of late that Johnny Weissmuller (Tarzan) taught my Uncle (by marriage) to swim. This same Uncle swam with the piranhas (I didn’t even think that was a thing! My uncle’s mom was an actress and his brother was in a movie with Mickey Rooney! Life can be so cool!

Panagiota Romios
Date: 7/31/2019 1:27:00 PM

Kim, sorry...I missed the part about your family and Johhny W,. How cool is that!Nice you shared these movie connections, thank you. I got to be an extra in a movie once in San Francisco. That's hardly being an actress in film,But I loved doing stand up and being part of Sacond City in Chicago. My daughter says I am such a drama queen LOL.I do Like theater and love writing poetry about politics but as you know people run from that. To me, it's a real, very real thing to write about.and YES , I am proud of the the USA! Panagiota

Panagiota Romios
Date: 7/31/2019 12:41:00 PM

You got it exactly right, Kim. A wonderful credit to both countries.nothing self centered about him... Not ever. Panagiota

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/30/2019 5:41:00 AM

He sounds wonderful; so thrilled the movie business found him. Lovely tribute, for sure!

Panagiota Romios
Date: 7/30/2019 10:55:00 AM

Hello, Caren..I can imagine you and I there having fun! I am glad he was in a movie. He more than deserved that honor Panagiota

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/29/2019 6:10:00 PM

Brings back memories of the old neighborhood stores (in Chicago and many other ports), now manned by the newest waves of immigrants... Great tribute, Panagiota! :) gw

Panagiota Romios
Date: 8/1/2019 11:33:00 PM

Was Askenaz'y's there in the 60,s? If so, I must have passed it. As I drove from Devon and Cicero to Loyola on Devon and Sheridan daily.)) Ahh corned beef on rye. Chicken soup with kreplachs. PR))

Gershon Wolf
Date: 7/30/2019 7:52:00 PM

Have to admit that Ricky wasn't on my radar. I was a little bit north of you... Ever try Ashkenazy's on Devon?! :) gw

Panagiota Romios
Date: 7/29/2019 6:23:00 PM

Gershon, I was hoping you would recall those great neighborhoods. Thank you, he was indeed, great. I light up inside just remembering him. Love, Panagiota Xxoxo, Do you recall Ricky's on Belmont and Broadway, I worked there for a while..,)))

Harry Horsman

Date: 7/29/2019 4:32:00 PM

Amazing dedication, with this wonderful poetry...

Panagiota Romios
Date: 7/29/2019 4:56:00 PM

Thanks, Harry. He was just a smashing human being. A true gem....very cherished in Chicago. He gave a lot of himself. Never admiring his own Greatness in a mirror, a valuable lesson, no?? Love, Panagiota xoxo

Nette Onclaud

Date: 7/29/2019 2:21:00 PM

such a lively, touching tribute to peter... your words come alive, panagiota...i really enjoyed this!...huggs

Panagiota Romios
Date: 7/29/2019 3:22:00 PM

Nette. I do appreciate your kind words! How very encouraging they are. I'd love toast his picture, but cannot do so with my version of an iPad. Andnowhere near a PC. I may one day post it...when I have access to a PC.Petros was forever lively. Panagiota.