Christ J. Hampilos, 75

Christ J. Hampilos, 75, of Millersville, passed away Sunday May 14, 2006, at home of a heart attack and a long battle with congestive heart failure. Christ was the husband of Elaine J. Katsaras Hampilos, who he had been married to for 49 years. He was born in Thana, Arcadia, Greece on February 25, 1931. He was the son of the late Ioannis and Panayiota Hampilomatis.

Christ came to the United States in 1951. To create a better life for himself, he worked in a billiards room owned by his uncle and aunt in Lancaster. After meeting and marrying his wife, Elaine, in Beloit, Wisconsin, he returned to Lancaster and opened the former New System Lunch on East King Street, serving many of Lancaster’s finest officials and citizens. In 1967 he opened Chris’ Food Market on the corner of Chestnut and Pine Streets in Lancaster. Chris’ Food Market was a staple in the community and provided many services for the citizens of the area. Christ and his wife and family operated the tiny corner store for 31 years until its sale in 1996. From 1977 to 1986 Christ and his family also owned and operated Maple Grove Swimming Pool, for the community to enjoy. In 1984 he bought a farm property that could be enjoyed by him and his entire family. He loved his farm and everything that comes with it. He took care of his animals as if they were his own children, and grew a beautiful garden every year that provided tasty fruits and vegetables to many people in Millersville and Lancaster.

He was a member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, and loved the Lord, his church, and his family.

Surviving besides his wife are four children: Joann C., companion of Jose R. Nicot-Vargas of Millersville; John C. and Christ Jr., both of Lancaster; and James C. of York; and two grandchildren, Eleni and Christos Torres of Millersville. He is also survived by four sisters and one brother: Katerina, wife of the late Constantinos Tiravolas; Athanasia, wife of the late Christos Stavropoulos; Michael, husband of Soula T. Hampilomatis; Eleni, wife of James Nikolopoulos, all of Tripoli, Arcadia, Greece; and Georgia, wife of the late James Tsakalakis of Palos Park, Illinois. He is preceded in death by three brothers: Peter, George, and James.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service on Thursday, May 18 at 10:00 a.m. at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 64 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603. A viewing will be held on Wednesday evening at Annunciation Church from 7-9 p.m., with the Trisagion service at 8:00 p.m. Interment will be in Conestoga Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Christ’s memory may be sent to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church or Heartland Hospice, 320 Granite Run Drive, Suite 200, Lancaster, PA 17601.