1930
Dino
2024
Dino Balamos
February 28, 1930 — December 31, 2024
Dino E. Balamos, 94, born in Decatur, IL, and recently having resided in Chattanooga, TN, passed away peacefully, December 31, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Dino was born February 28, 1930, the son of Greek immigrants, Peter J. and Dionecia (Safaris) Balamos.
On October 14, 1956, Dino married Mary Mourton in her hometown, St. Louis, MO. Together, they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, travel, a deep commitment to the Greek Orthodox Church and culture, and countless cherished moments with friends and family. They were blessed with two daughters, Debra and Katherine; and two granddaughters, Grace and Rose. Mary passed away on October 23, 2018.
At age 14, Dino began working at the Decatur family business, the American Ice Cream Company. After the sudden passing of his father in 1948, Dino stepped in as a partner, helping to support his family during this time. These formative years laid the foundation for his remarkable career as an entrepreneur, owner, and manager.
In the early 1950s Dino proudly served in the US Marine Corps earning the rank of Sgt. Following his military service, Dino owned and operated several successful Decatur hotels, restaurants and bars, including The Polynesian Room and The Sheraton Inn, where he opened Decatur ’ s first disco, The Hideaway, and formed a lifelong friendship with hypnotist, Tom DeLuca. In addition Dino served as Regional Vice President of ITT Sheraton Corporation, leading the management of hotels throughout the Region. He later served as GM for the Holiday Inn and Best Western Inn of Decatur, in addition to Ramada Inn properties in Eugene, OR, Salt Lake City; and at the Torrey Pines Inn, La Jolla, CA.
Dino enjoyed playing basketball and was a lifelong sports enthusiast. Known for his competitive spirit, he earned the title of Checkers Champion and was a master of riddles, bar tricks and entertaining generations of friends and family with his quick wit and playful challenges. An avid reader, Dino frequently recommended Napoleon Hill's, Think and Grow Rich, to those around him. His love of storytelling ultimately inspired the writing of his memoir, 27 Years Behind Bars .
Dino was known for honesty, generosity, and a kind-hearted nature. He believed in the simple but profound philosophy that, “ It doesn ’ t take much to be kind to people.” Relationships were his greatest treasure, and he poured his heart into every bond he formed. Dino lived a rich and meaningful life, full of stories - worth hearing, learning from, laughing at and remembering. His wisdom, humor, and unwavering devotion to family and friends leave a legacy of love and connection that will forever inspire us.
Surviving are his daughters, Debra (Bernard Shell) Balamos of Santa Monica, CA; Katherine (James Ganley) Balamos Ganley of Chattanooga, TN; granddaughters, Grace and Rose Ganley; countless cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.
Dino was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Balamos; siblings, John Balamos and Bess Greanias.
Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Friday, January 10, 2025 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 570 N Union Street, Decatur. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Decatur, IL, 570 N. Union St, Decatur, IL 62522.
Dino was born February 28, 1930, the son of Greek immigrants, Peter J. and Dionecia (Safaris) Balamos.
On October 14, 1956, Dino married Mary Mourton in her hometown, St. Louis, MO. Together, they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, travel, a deep commitment to the Greek Orthodox Church and culture, and countless cherished moments with friends and family. They were blessed with two daughters, Debra and Katherine; and two granddaughters, Grace and Rose. Mary passed away on October 23, 2018.
At age 14, Dino began working at the Decatur family business, the American Ice Cream Company. After the sudden passing of his father in 1948, Dino stepped in as a partner, helping to support his family during this time. These formative years laid the foundation for his remarkable career as an entrepreneur, owner, and manager.
In the early 1950s Dino proudly served in the US Marine Corps earning the rank of Sgt. Following his military service, Dino owned and operated several successful Decatur hotels, restaurants and bars, including The Polynesian Room and The Sheraton Inn, where he opened Decatur ’ s first disco, The Hideaway, and formed a lifelong friendship with hypnotist, Tom DeLuca. In addition Dino served as Regional Vice President of ITT Sheraton Corporation, leading the management of hotels throughout the Region. He later served as GM for the Holiday Inn and Best Western Inn of Decatur, in addition to Ramada Inn properties in Eugene, OR, Salt Lake City; and at the Torrey Pines Inn, La Jolla, CA.
Dino enjoyed playing basketball and was a lifelong sports enthusiast. Known for his competitive spirit, he earned the title of Checkers Champion and was a master of riddles, bar tricks and entertaining generations of friends and family with his quick wit and playful challenges. An avid reader, Dino frequently recommended Napoleon Hill's, Think and Grow Rich, to those around him. His love of storytelling ultimately inspired the writing of his memoir, 27 Years Behind Bars .
Dino was known for honesty, generosity, and a kind-hearted nature. He believed in the simple but profound philosophy that, “ It doesn ’ t take much to be kind to people.” Relationships were his greatest treasure, and he poured his heart into every bond he formed. Dino lived a rich and meaningful life, full of stories - worth hearing, learning from, laughing at and remembering. His wisdom, humor, and unwavering devotion to family and friends leave a legacy of love and connection that will forever inspire us.
Surviving are his daughters, Debra (Bernard Shell) Balamos of Santa Monica, CA; Katherine (James Ganley) Balamos Ganley of Chattanooga, TN; granddaughters, Grace and Rose Ganley; countless cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.
Dino was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Balamos; siblings, John Balamos and Bess Greanias.
Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Friday, January 10, 2025 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 570 N Union Street, Decatur. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Decatur, IL, 570 N. Union St, Decatur, IL 62522.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dino Balamos, please visit our flower store.
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