Gus George Kiliveros, Born into life August 21, 1938 – Born into eternal life September 11, 2011. Gus George Kiliveros, after a valiant battle against cancer, has fallen asleep in the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Third-born of Greek immigrant parents, George and Katina (Savas) Kiliveros in Gastonia, North Carolina. The Kiliveros family were restaurateurs and very proud of their heritage, which they passed on to Gus by teaching him to speak Greek, as well as by passing down their beloved Orthodox Christian faith, which sustained him throughout his life, most profoundly in his final years. Gus graduated in 1957 from Frank L. Ashley High School, Gastonia, North Carolina, and in 1961 from The Citadel Military College of Charleston, South Carolina with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. Gus was immensely fulfilled by his time at The Citadel, and spoke often of his experiences there, attributing it to the solidification of his strong work ethic and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. After graduation, Gus entered the Air Force and was first stationed in Biloxi, MS where he attended Officer’s Training School. He later served at Norton AFB, Goose Bay, Labrador, and Luke AFB as a weapons and air traffic controller. Gus honorably served his country until 1967, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain. He thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and traditions of the Air Force, which gave him a sense of dignity and purpose that he carried with him into civilian life. In 1966 he married Caliope (Kelly) Sellas of San Bernardino, CA. The newlyweds spent a year at Luke AFB before relocating to Merced, CA in December 1967, where he began a long and wonderful career spanning 35 years with Merced County in Personnel. During this time he continued his education, earning a Master’s Degree from Golden Gate University in Public Administration. During the 1980s, Gus was an Adjunct Lecturer at Golden Gate and Chapman Universities and Merced College, teaching courses such as Business Law and Business Administration. He also enjoyed coaching city league soccer, and did so for three years. After retiring from Merced County, Gus worked as a Personnel Officer for the Fresno County, CA. Housing Authority for five years, before retiring again, once and for all. During his retirement, Gus volunteered at HICAP, offering his skills and acquired knowledge to that agency and its cause. Throughout his life, Gus was a devout Orthodox Christian and served on the parish councils of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Modesto, CA and St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church, Merced, CA. His leadership qualities were appreciated by both councils and his efforts were always done to the glory of the Lord. Gus is survived by his devoted wife Caliope (Kelly), his son George Kiliveros, his daughter, Katina Gartelos, Katina’s husband Fr. George Gartelos, and six grandchildren, Nicholas Gartelos, Constantine Gartelos, Kaliana Gartelos, Stella Kiliveros, Opal Kiliveros, and Victoria Gartelos. He is also survived by his sister, Caliope Maurides, and was preceded in death by his brother, Christos Kiliveros. A viewing and Trisagion service will be held at Stratford Evans Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced, CA 95340 on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 7:00pm. Funeral services will be held at The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 313 Tokay Ave., Modesto, CA 95350 on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 9:00am. Burial services will be held the same day at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 West McCabe Road, Santa Nella, CA 95322 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, Gus had requested that donations be made to one of the following: St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 3704, Merced CA, 95344-3704. The Living Springs Monastery, 38532 Dunlap Rd, Dunlap CA, 93621 May his memory be eternal! Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA. Tags: 1961
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