Savvas A. "Steve" Vasilas

Savvas A. Vasilas “Steve”, age 60 of Fort Lauderdale, FL, passed away while surrounded by the love of so many family and friends after a brief illness on October 18, 2026. He was born to his father Antonios and mother Galatiani Vasilas (née Pilatos) in Rhodes, Greece on June 13, 1966.

Steve was born in Greece and kept a part of that beautiful country in his heart and soul throughout his life. In his youth, his family emigrated to another beautiful country that he loved so dearly, the United States of America. Even as a young child, Steve had a magnetic personality and he quickly made friendships that would carry through a lifetime. As his family grew with the birth of siblings, Steve enjoyed school and sports in the south suburbs of Chicago. He graduated from Richards High School in Oak Lawn, IL as a proud member of the Class of 1985. The music of that time would build the soundtrack of his life. He loved Rock ‘n Roll, but had a special affinity for the greats of the mid-eighties. Steve continued his education at Moraine Valley Community College as he dated his future wife, Kathy (whom he would ultimately share forty years of his life with as best friends). One fateful evening, tragedy struck in the form of a serious motor vehicle accident. The damage done that evening was more than most could bear, but Steve was a survivor. Paralyzed from the waist down, he had no choice but to find a new way forward. His strength and desire to overcome life’s challenges was inspiring. He married the woman he loved, and together they moved to Miami, Florida to work alongside men and women in the Miami Project, dedicated to finding a cure for paralysis. Of course, being Greek, Steve seemed to be born with hospitality in his heart. He was an excellent cook, and even better at telling others why they were doing it wrong. He opened and ran the University Patio and Grill in Miami with his brother Michael for a number of years. He was passionate about fishing and gardening, and he loved to share those passions with the people he loved when they would come visit. He was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and devoted Chicago Bears fan. He enjoyed cruising around town on his scooter to run to Home Depot or act as the local neighborhood watch patrolman, often stopping to talk to people along the way, offering a little advice, a kind smile, and a friendly ear. You always knew when Steve was in the room. It was simply different when he was around. There was always a little bit of mischief and joy in his aura. He loved people and his pets dearly. He was able to put aside his own wants and needs to celebrate the joy of those who brought him joy. He was big-hearted, caring, patient, loving and truly one of a kind. He could carry the room with a story, or shut it down with a disapproving glance. If you were a little thin-skinned, he could help you make it thicker, and if you were a little too big-headed, he could help you find a little humility. We could go on forever and still insufficiently explain all that was the wonder of Savvas Vasilas. We will simply say he was loved greatly, he loved deeply, and we will never be able to replace the space that he leaves behind in all of our hearts. We will only do our best to mirror that love and make this world a little warmer in his honor.

He was preceded in death by his parents Antonios and Galatiani Vasilas; his father-in-law Thomas Smikoski; and his brother-in-law Thomas Smikoski Jr.

Those left to cherish Steve’s memory are his devoted wife of 28 years Kathleen Vasilas (née Smikoski); his siblings Maria (Athanasios) Bournas, Irene (Kyriakos) Stergiou, Georgia (prev. Kostas) Tountas, Michael (Carmen) Vasilas and Tommy Kollintzas; his mother-in-law Dulce Smikoski (née Izquierdo); brother-in-law Robert (Kari) Smikoski; sisters-in-law Debbie (the late Thomas) Smikoski and Lisa (Jay) Schramm; his adoring nieces and nephews Stavros, Kostas, Nikko, Adonis, Adoni, Elizabeth, Nikki, Tia, Christos, Saveena, Giovanna, Georgia, Antonis, Justin, Brandon, Tyler, Austin, Dylan, Kylie, Jake and Alyssa; his great-nephews and great-nieces Kyriako, Alexander, Vasili, Melania, Tino, Eleni, and Skye Rose; his God children Nomiki Platsis, Elizabeth Tountas, and Tommy Pappas; as well as numerous lifelong friends, countless extended family members, and so many others who were lucky enough to call him their family, friend, or loved one.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer any monetary contributions offered in memory of Savvas to be directed to his beloved spouse Kathleen Vasilas as she attempts to navigate the challenges of this unexpected loss. Your love, generosity, and support during this difficult time will be deeply appreciated.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Monday, November 2nd, 2026 from 10:30 am until 11:00 am at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Sheffield Ave. Chicago, IL 60614. The Church Service will begin promptly at 11:00 am.