Stephen Jonathan Antalis

Retired Lt. Colonel Stephen Jonathan Antalis, 95, of Dalton, Georgia, formerly of Charleston, SC, peacefully passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at the residence of his son, Dr. John S. Antalis. To the very end, Mr. Antalis lived a life full of learning, laughter, and love. Mr. Antalis was born in Weirton, West Virginia on September 19, 1918. He was one of six children born to the late John and Anastasia Antalis, both immigrants from Greece. He attended Fairmont College in West Virginia until he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1941, later known as the United States Air Force. During World War II, he was proud to arrive at Omaha Beach at D-Day+7 and later served as a member of the United States Auditor General Group. He faithfully served in the military for twenty four years and was awarded numerous medals for his exemplary service. His fondest memories included dining at the White House with Mrs. Roosevelt, observing part of the Nuremburg trials, and rescuing his Uncle Rogét, who was in a German prisoner of war camp. Education was always a priority to Mr. Antalis. As a young man, he helped support his older brother Angelo in his pre-medical education. Mr. Antalis graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Ohio State University in 1951 and received a Master of Arts from Central Michigan University in 1975. He had a keen mathematical mind, which he applied in his work for the Ford Motor Company as a Finance Manager and for Nielsen Electronics as a Business Manager and teacher. He also used his skills in finance in service of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity in Charleston, where he served as member and bookkeeper. Even in his 90’s, he still taught his family lessons like how to say “I love you” in Greek (“Se Agapo”). He kept his mind sharp by playing pinochle and doing crossword puzzles. Mr. Antalis was ever a gentleman. Those closest to him will remember the little things he said that put a smile on their face. He enjoyed good food, music, and sports. For Mr. Antalis, the best meals included koulourakia, fried catfish, coffee, and dolmades. No matter the season, he followed his teams in baseball, football, and basketball, sometimes watching three different TV’s at once. He also loved to dance, especially to the music of the big band era. Even at 90 years old, you would find him at the local Dalton Senior Center dancing to “Stardust” on Monday nights. Above all else, Mr. Antalis treasured his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Erma Gelegotis Antalis, whom he married in 1950 and lovingly cared for at home during an extended illness prior to her death in 1998; his sister Liberty Marian Antalis; his brothers Dr. Angelo John Antalis (A.J.), Stanley John Antalis, and Dr. James Peter Antalis (Jimmy). He was a loving father to his surviving three children, John Stephen Antalis, MD (Cathy) of Dalton, GA, Toni Marie Antalis, PhD of Potomac, MD, and Darlene Antalis Johnson (Steve) of Yonges Island, SC; a beloved “Papou” to his seven grandchildren, F. Steven Johnson, Jr. (Erin), Michael Ziozoas Johnson (Sarah), Stephanie Johnson Sanders (Seth), John S. Antalis-Mattick, Christina Marie Antalis, Stephen John Antalis and Catherine Denise Antalis; five great-grandchildren, Emma and William Sanders, Steven Johnson, and Scarlett and George Johnson. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Georges; his sisters-in-law Edna “Tina” Antalis, Teddy Antalis, Mary Gelegotis Zervos (Peter), and Betty Gelegotis; and twenty-eight nieces and nephews. Mr. Antalis moved to Dalton, GA to live with his son and their family during the last six years of his life. The family would like to thank all those involved in his care for their love and support during that time, especially Jessica. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 pm, January 14, 2014 at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 15th, 2014 at 12:00 noon at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 30 Race Street, Charleston, SC. Interment with military rites will follow at Magnolia Cemetery, 70 Cunnington Avenue in Charleston, SC. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place, Glen Vale, VA 23060-9979, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 30 Race Street, Charleston, SC 39403, or the Wounded Warriors Project.

Visitation:
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Trisaigon Service beginning at 6PM