Steve S. Savas, 83, passed away Thursday. He was born in Racine, Aug. 14, 1932, son of the late John and Fotiny (Evangil) Savas.
Steve graduated from Washington Park High School “Class of 1950” and was inducted into the School Hall of Fame in 2012. Steve served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Korea. On Feb. 3, 1957 he was united in marriage to Hresoula “Sue” Rodis who preceded him in death Oct. 30, 1990. Steve began as a journeyman tool and die maker. With his good wife, he owned and operated the Star Bar Restaurant on Interstate 94 from 1968-2008. As a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, he will be dearly missed.
Steve practiced and promoted community service throughout his life. In Paris Township, where he lived for over forty years, he raised over $25,000 to purchase a Jaws of Life and other fire & rescue equipment. In the local schools, he served as a member and president of the PTA. In 2000, he initiated and raised funds for a defibrillator for Westosha Central High School. Every year on Memorial Day, he provided free lunches to the members of the American Legion who placed flags on veteren’s graves. He also chaired many Somers American Legion Post blood drives. He was a life member of both the local VFW and American Legion.
Steve was a lifelong member of Kimissis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church. He was a member of the building committee that erected the church, was on the parish council, and was the parish council president for two terms. He also organized annual fundraising events for the building and education funds.
Steve was also a member of other philanthropic organizations and promoted fundraising for various charities. In 2006, Steve was honored with the Kenosha News Person of the Year Award for his community service.
Surviving are his children, Stephanie (David) Slamar of Bristol, John (Sara Jane Marlega) Savas of Milwaukee, Tom (Helen) Savas of Racine, Tricia (Shawn) Downey of Elk River, MN, Andrew (Pamela) Savas of Shell Lake, WI; 10 grandchildren, Nicolae (Rion) Epping, Maria (Adam) Pfister, Elizabeth (Vegim) Begolli, David Slamar, Jack and Ginger Downey, Luke and Noah Savas, Steve and Katherine Savas; 4 great grandchildren, Everett and Graham Pfister, Daphne Epping, Vera Begolli; siblings, Chris Savas, Grace (Julius) Mianecki, Kaye Langel; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Niko and two sisters Ann and Martha.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday 5 p.m. at Kimissis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church 1335 S. Green Bay Road. Relatives and friends may meet at the church from 3:30 p.m. until the time of service. Steve believed that part of being a good citizen was having common goals of charity and community service. Please no flowers. The family suggests memorials to the church or to a favorite charity. Private interment with full military honors will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
