IL SR2191

Theodore Bagatelas of Moline passed away on August 22, 2016; he was born September 17, 1927, in East Moline to William and Rebecca Gounis Bagatelas.

Served as a World War II veteran in the United States Navy and later as a Greek interpreter for the U.S. Sixth Fleet during the 1947 Civil War in Greece; was a member of EM American Legion Post 227.

Co-founded Sportsland stores in 1951 with his brother and brother-in-law, expanding to multiple locations and operating the Athletic Center and Family Fun Center; opened the first Gulliver's Travel store in 1981 with agencies now operating in Illinois, Iowa, and Tennessee.

Developed Summit Ridge Condominiums, a 12-story luxury high rise in East Moline completed in 1970, and served as president of Imperial Home Builders, Ltd.

Served as president of St. George Greek Orthodox Church from 1969 to 1971 and led the development and fundraising for the congregation's relocation to Rock Island; was a co-organizer of the Greek Cultural Festival in downtown Moline.

Survived by his wife Karen, three sons, five grandchildren, two stepchildren, and three step-grandchildren.