Constantinos "Dino" Bouloukos

Constantinos “Dino” Bouloukos

April 22, 1929 – April 19, 2023

Dino Bouloukos, age 93 of McCaysville, Georgia passed away on Wednesday April 19, 2023. He was preceded in death by his Father Vassilli Bouloukos and his Mother Alexandra Merope Bouloukos. Also, his loving sister Martha Bouloukos Roussis and his brother Panagotis “Pete” Bouloukos. He is survived by his wonderful wife of over 66 years Maria Xiriches Bouloukos; Sons Vassilli “Bill” Bouloukos (Lisa) and Pete Bouloukos (Stacey); Grandchildren Maria Bouloukos and Alex Bouloukos; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dino was born April 22, 1929, in Kalamata, Greece. He fought as a teenager against the Nazis during World War II then later fought In the Greek Army against the communist uprising during the Greek Civil War in the late 1940’s. In 1951 Dino arrived in the USA to attend NYU in Manhattan, New York where he studied engineering. However, he greatly wanted to become an American citizen and seize the opportunities that he was not allowed as an immigrant. So, in 1954 he joined the U.S. Army and was flown to Okinawa, Japan to get sworn in as an American citizen then straight to Korea to fight in combat from 1954-1956.  During his time in the Army he was told by mutual friends of the family to “swing” by Copperhill, TN to meet a beautiful Greek girl who had immigrated to America in 1952. Her father Pete Xiriches had run the New York Hotel and Café since he first arrived in America in 1942. From there, their courtship started and they were married in 1957 in Copperhill, TN. Dino had started several successful businesses in New York City and life was wonderful. In 1972 the couple realized that New York City was not a place to raise a family and returned to Copperhill, where with the help of relatives he took ownership of The Copper Basin Snack bar which later became the “Famous” Dino’s Tavern.

There he and Maria helped run the New York Hotel as well as owning Dinos Tavern until they sold the business and property to enjoy time with the family around 2007.  Dino was a proud father, Papou (grandfather), and a lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Church. He loved the Copper Basin area and was fond of the peaceful lifestyle. He had many friends and he took care of many people. What he enjoyed most was the Sundays spent with all the Greek family members sitting around a table on the Taverna eating and drinking while listening to Greek Music.

Visitation and funeral will be held at Finch-Cochran Funeral Home, Saturday April 22, 2023. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM with Funeral beginning at 3:00 PM with Father Stavros Baas officiating.  Immediately following the funeral will be the burial at Cooper Ridge Memorial Gardens. Visitation and funeral will be held at Finch-Cochran Funeral Home, Saturday April 22, 2023. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM with Funeral beginning at 3:00 PM with Father Stavros Ballas officiating.  Immediately following the funeral will be the burial at Cooper Ridge Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers: Pete Gaitanoglou, Chris Gaitanoglou, Sarandy Gaitanoglou, Dino Bouloukos, Alex Bouloukos, and Anthony Hughes. A Makaria (Mercy Meal) Will be announced. The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses and the VA clinics for years of helping a veteran. Dino was a proud Greek Orthodox and a Proud American and he loved his country very much. In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Greek Orthodox Church, Chattanooga Tennessee or to the charity of your choice.  A Makaria (Mercy Meal) Will be announced. The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses and the VA clinics for years of helping a veteran. Dino was a proud Greek Orthodox and a Proud American and he loved his country very much. In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Greek Orthodox Church, Chattanooga Tennessee or to the charity of your choice.

It is now Happy Hour at Dino’s Tavern in Heaven.

May his memory be eternal!!!!!