Costas “Gus” Kalimeras, a Kingston Resident, Dies at 82

Costas "Gus" Kalimeras, 82, of Kingston, NY, fell asleep in the Lord on September 15th 2017, while in the comforting presence of his family. "He was the nicest man I ever met!" Words uttered by many that knew him. Gus was born in Nicosia, Cyprus on 12/2/1934 to Christophoros and Maria Kalimeras. He was the eldest of five siblings. Gus came to the United States in 1950 where he completed high school and four years of trade school. Gus proudly served in the US Army, stationed in Alaska, from June 1956 - June 1958, earning a Good Conduct Medal. Gus met the love of his life, Loukia "Lucy" Paleshi, daughter of Antonios and Panayiota Paleshi of Famagusta, Cyprus, in May 1963 and they were married on October 27, 1963 in Union City, NJ.
Gus and Lucy relocated to Kingston in 1970, where they became part owners of Michael's diner and raised their family. He worked for many years as host of the Gateway (now Olympic) diner and as a cook at the Ulster County Jail, where he became famous for his spaghetti & "Gus"balls. Above all, Gus was devoted to his faith and an active member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church. He was predeceased by his parents, in-laws, three siblings- Michael, Theonitsa "Nitsa" and Androula. Brothers in Law- Anastasis "Tommy", Rolandos and Andreas. Gus is survived by his devoted wife, loving children: Maria and Michael Constantinides; Anthony and Angel Kalimeras; Zoe and John Lazarou and Andreas. Grandchildren: Talia, Shane, Nicholas, Theodore, Loukia, Alexandra, Preston, and Carter. He is also survived by his dedicated sister Stella and many more sisters and brothers in law, nieces and nephews. Gus was loved by all who knew him. May his memory be eternal. The viewing will be held on Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 PM at Keyser Funeral Home, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, NY 12401. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 294 Greenkill Ave., Kingston, NY 12401. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.Keyserfuneralservice.com