Gerald C. Pelias, New Orleans wholesaler, leader in Greek community, dies at 87
October 22, 2010 Times Picayune
Submitted by N.O.V.A.


************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm
************************************************


Gerald C. Pelias, a New Orleans wholesaler and longtime leader in the area's Greek community, died at his
daughter's home Thursday of complications from a recent stroke. He was 87.

For 71 years, Mr. Pelias helped manage Imperial Trading Co., the wholesale distribution company founded by
his father, a Greek immigrant. His business partner in that enterprise was his brother-in-law, the late
Dennis Georges, and over the years both played prominent leadership roles in the Greek community.

At the time of Mr. Pelias' death, Imperial described itself as the eighth largest convenience store
wholesaler in the country. Mr. Pelias, who never fully retired, maintained a schedule of visiting the
Imperial offices four times a week, said the Rev. Anthony Stratis, the dean of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox
Cathedral.

Mr. Pelias had returned from a visit to Greece only a week or so before his stroke, Stratis said.

He encouraged other members of the community to honor their heritage and strongly supported a church project
to gather and archive family photo histories, Stratis said.

Mr. Pelias was president of the congregation's council several times, and was serving again in that office
at the time of his death.

Mr. Pelias loved to golf and raise fruits and vegetables at home, and was famous for distributing them among
friends.

Mr. Pelias was a graduate of Alcee Fortier High School and attended Tulane University and the University of
Michigan before serving as an Army Air Corps navigator during World War II.

He was a founding member and past president of the Optimist Club, as well as the Order of AHEPA, a Greek
organization. He served on the board of directors for the Salvation Army.

Mr. Pelias was married for more than 50 years to Evelyn "Mickey" Pelias, who died in 2008. He is survived by
a son, Constantine "Tift" Pelias of Rockville, Md.; daughters Dr. Marilyn E. Pelias of New Orleans and Diann
Stathakis of Anderson S.C.; a sister, Anita Georges; and seven grandchildren.

Visitation will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd.
The funeral will follow at noon. Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.