Gus A. Chafoulias (September 16, 1935 - December 11, 2020)

Gus Andrew Chafoulias passed away peacefully at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Mary's Campus on Friday, December 11 at the age of 85 years old.

Gus was born in Rochester, Minnesota in 1935 to Andrew and Anna Chafoulias. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1953 and then completed two years of college. He also served with the United States Army for two years until 1960. 

Gus’s strong work ethic began as a child with doing dishes at his father’s diner, North Crystal, and stocking shelves at his father’s other business, Andy’s Liquor. At the young age of 21 years old, he took over his father’s liquor store. This was the start of his love with running businesses and being a developer. Gus’s Greek immigrant parents instilled in him to work hard and that showed every day of his life. He loved to work and felt too busy to ever retire. 

Gus was known for being a “man of vision”. He helped transform the city of Rochester through ideas like introducing the skyway system and developing premier hotels. His passion for delivering great guest experiences, building strong partnerships, and treating his employees well all aided in his success of developing over 50 properties in the city and throughout. 

Gus was honored with many local awards and recognitions. He earned the national Ellis Island Medal of Honor, because Gus exemplified the mission statement; “Individuals who have made it their mission to share with those less fortunate, their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents, and selfless generosity. They do so while acknowledging their debt to their ethnic heritage as they uphold the ideals and spirt of America”. 

Generosity was another admired characteristic of Gus. He was involved with numerous non-profit organizations and a faithful member of the Greek Orthodox Church. His genuine care for others and love for God was unmatched. Gus was also an avid fan and supporter of the Golden Gopher Football team.

Family, friends, and his dog (Sarge) were a significant part of Gus’s life. He and his former wife, Ann Collins Chafoulias, raised their children in Rochester. Gus left a legacy of being an incredible community leader who innovated the city of Rochester. He made a positive impact that his family will always be proud of by mentoring many young Rochester entrepreneurs. He thrived in seeing their successes.

Gus is survived by his son, Andy Chafoulias (fiancé Kelly Miles); daughter, Ann Koury; son-in-law, Mark Fister; his brothers, Jim Chafoulias and Ted (Dianne) Chafoulias; sisters, Kalliope Chafoulias and Mary Chafoulias; and five grandchildren: Michele Koury, Marie Koury, Taylor Chafoulias, Carter Miles, and Peyton Miles. He is also survived by his former wife, Ann. Gus was preceded in death by his daughter, Cindy Fister, and his parents, Andrew and Anna Chafoulias.

Gus's legacy will live on through the numerous initiatives that he led and through the stories shared by those who loved him.