The family of Andreas Gerasimos Pavlatos of Portland, OR announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
Here is what mattered, in the years between the dates.
A parent leaves not only memory, but the people they helped become.
Andreas “Andy” Gerasimos Pavlatos, a man of immense generosity, an entrepreneur, and a dedicated family patriarch, passed away peacefully in Portland, Oregon, on May 3, 2026, at the age of 87.Born on June 28, 1938, in Argostoli on the island of Kefalonia Greece, Andy was the son of the late Gerasimos and Kaliope Pavlatos. His childhood was marked by the hardships of the Italian and German occupations of Greece during World War II. Raised in extreme poverty, he witnessed the violence and instability of war-torn streets and the deep sacrifices made by his mother, Kaliope, who often went without food so her children could eat. These early experiences shaped his lifelong work ethic and ambition. He was driven by a deep desire to build a secure life and ensure his family would never face that kind of hunger again.At age 17, Andy joined the Merchant Marines, traveling the world before first arriving in the United States in 1959. Following a four-year term of service as a Lieutenant in the Greek Army, he returned to the U.S. to settle in Portland, Oregon where he built a life defined by grit and a natural gift for hospitality. He achieved US Citizenship in 1980 and became a highly successful businessman, owning and operating several restaurants and sports bars that became staples of the community. Known for his "bigger than life" personality, Andy was a dedicated advocate for children, constantly seeking ways to provide support and opportunities for the next generation.Andy never forgot his roots. His most cherished achievement was building a family church on his home island of Kefalonia, a magnificent tribute to St. Constantine & Helen that stands as a lasting legacy of his faith and devotion.Outside of his business accomplishments, Andy took pleasure in listening to Greek music and the thrill of sporting events. He also traveled often to Greece to visit with friends and family, while managing renovations on the home he constructed as a tribute to his mother, Kaliope.Above all, Andy was a devoted family man. He was the loving husband of Norma Jean Pavlatos, with whom he shared 31 years of marriage and built a life full of purpose and love. He was the proud father of Demetri and Irene, and a devoted father to David, Nichole, Laura, and Patrick, all of whom he loved as his own.He was preceded in death by his mother, father, his four brothers, and Diane, the mother of his children Demetri and Irene. He is survived by his sisters, Maria and Anthoula. His legacy of generosity lives on through his 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, who will forever remember him as a man who gave everything to those he loved.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Andy’s honor to St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church (14485 SW Walker Rd, Beaverton, OR 97006) or the Holy Trinity Father Elias Memorial Fund (3131 NE Gleason St. Portland, OR 97232)May his memory be eternal.
