Tireless North Side businessman always reached out

Anne Carras never doubted that Frank Chapas, the young Army Air Corps MP she married in 1943, would become a successful businessman and church leader in their once tight-knit Greek-American community in the North Side.

"My parents first met at a wedding in St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (now cathedral) in Oakland in 1938," said Bill Chapas, an attorney from Franklin Park. "Dad also was a talented young man who played the violin in the Allegheny High School orchestra and also played sandlot football."

Frank Chapas of Ross, formerly of the North Side, died Monday, April 12, 2010, in Vincentian Regency in McCandless. He was 90.

After his discharge from the military, Mr. Chapas joined the family business, the former Chapas Hotel on Robinson Street in the North Side, which his Greek immigrant parents opened in the early 1900s.

Once the hotel was demolished to make way for the East Street Expressway in the early 1990s, Mr. Chapas established parking lots in the North Side, including one that served the Warhol Museum.

Bill Chapas recalled how his mother supported his father's business endeavors while raising their four children, all of whom earned college degrees.

"Mom baked the large hams for the sandwiches that Dad served at the hotel bar in her kitchen at home."

Mr. Chapas was recognized for his business acumen, his service to his church and his commitment to his Ahepa Lodge (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association).

And he was admired for his efforts on behalf of those who needed a helping hand.

"On Thanksgiving Day, my parents prepared two meals. One was for our family, which we ate at home, and the other for the men who stayed at the hotel or for anyone who was hungry and needed a hot meal."

His son said his father's humor and personality helped his success as a businessman. "And for Dad, every day was a busy day. He thought nothing of putting in a 16- to 18-hour day at the parking lots, seven days a week."

In addition to his wife and son Bill, Mr. Chapas is survived by children Tom Chapas of McCandless and Chuck Chapas and Marianne Bonfield, both of Ross; and four grandchildren.

A brother, John Chapas, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Stephen M. Brady Funeral Home, 920 Cedar Ave., North Side. The funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 302 W. North Ave., North Side.