Charlie Venetis (Venis)

Charlie Venetis (Venis) passed from this life into his eternal life on March 24, 2024.

Born on May 8, 1936, in a small mountain village in Greece (Terpsithea), he came to the United States as a young adult. It was his dream as a teenager to come here to live and experience all the promises that America had to offer. He made his way to Dallas where had family and the story goes that he slept in the Torch restaurant, cleaning after hours until he could afford a car and a place to live. He worked in the Dallas area as a bell hop at the old Sheraton Hotel, a host at the 21 Club and finally joined Tom Maglaras as a co-owner of the Greek Key Club.

He met his wife, Carolyn, at the Greek Key Club. They married, and became an instant family of 5 children. Two boys were born to this union, John and Demetrios, and this family became a tapestry of small town Texas and Greek romance.

After leaving the Greek Key Club, Charlie opened the Goldfinger, Kostas on Bachman Lake, the Greek Isles Grille in Plano and finally the Opa Grille in North Dallas. He knew every customer by their name, and not just their name but all of their favorite dishes. He always made room, bringing out extra tables on very busy nights to seat one more waiting couple before the show started. He made friends and customers with little effort, he always knew someone no matter where we traveled.

All of his children and many of his grandchildren worked for him over the years. From him we learned to serve others without prejudice and to make sure everyone had a place at the table and so much more. We are so thankful for all of the life lessons we learned from him.

He leaves behind his wife Carolyn, his children - Dianna(Ronnie), Dawn (James), Dane (Laura), Eugene, Demetrios (Kristen), his grandchildren – David, Tammra, Jenny, Amanda, Amber, Peter, Katy (Paul), Collin, Colby, James Michael, Amy, Christopher, Crystal(Brent), Osbaldo, Kenzie, Andrew, Jadelynn, Demetrios and Alexandra and his great grandchildren, so many friends and former customers who reach out from time to time.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Daphne, brother John, and sons David and John. We are grateful for his many caregivers at Iris Memory Care Turtle Creek and the staff at Amatus Hospice. We knew he was cared for when we could not be there!

Jobe 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2024 in Bobbitt Cemetery with Dianna Prachyl officiating. Family and Friends will be serving as pallbearers.