Elias was born on the island of Corfu, Greece to Aspasia (Morou Xeimariou) and Evangelos Xeimarios on May 6, 1934, the youngest of six children, and only one to immigrate to America in the late 1960s in search of a better life. He was affectionately known as Li-Li, being the youngest. His father died when Elias was 9/10 years old, and in lieu of school, he went to work to support his mother. After participating in the family business of wood and furniture manufacturing, Elias, left Corfu to serve in the Greek Air Force, then immigrated to America after five years in Montreal, Canada. Once settled in Los Feliz, California, Elias became a licensed building contractor and started his own company, which lasted almost four decades. Elias also held real estate and building inspection licenses. He helped to build prominent buildings in Los Angeles, such as Kaiser Sunset and the Department of Water and Power, as well as countless other commercial and residential projects throughout Los Angeles and southern California – including work in his home parish of Saint Sophia Cathedral and the local Greek store C&K Importing/Papa Christos, where he was a regular customer. With his hands, he installed the deli counter top at Papa Christos, where countless slabs of feta have been chopped.

Elias met his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Tasia Chimarios in 1969, when they were married and soon had three children by 1972. Elias was dedicated to his family and was a good provider. He was ultra-independent and strong – inside and out. Observant, meticulous, detail-oriented, and hard-working. He knew several languages - three fluently. His hearty laugh was contagious. He loved connecting with people and enjoying life. Growing up at Saint Sophia, we were at church every Sunday. Elias was at every GOYA basketball game, sang in the choir, and never missed helping at Saint Sophia's Easter picnics. Elias and Tasia's home was always open to friends and family. He worked hard, played hard, and prayed hard. Elias laughed and cried with his family's joys and sufferings.

Elias is survived by his loving wife, Tasia Chimarios, children, Evan, Afrodite, and Betina; and grandchildren Anastasia and Panos Papadeas. Elias' extended family is primarily in Corfu, Greece. Elias' greatest joys in life were his family, trips to the beach, and his community. We are all better off for having known and loved him. We know that Elias is looking down smiling, loving, and protecting all of us – and maybe even diving into the ocean for us... A father's work is never done.

The Trisagion memorial service will be held on Monday, November 5, 2018 at 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 11:00 am. Both services will be held at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1324 South Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006. Interment at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Elias Chimarios' name to Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Philoptochos. May His Memory be Eternal.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit  www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com  .

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