Evangelos Rodinos was born in Athens, Greece to Stellianos and Penelope Rodinos. He was the youngest of their four children. He had two brothers, Stathis and Peter, and one sister, Georgia. His life was always filled with activity, adventure, family, friends and, especially, music. He served in the Greek Army during the Civil War and earned many decorations and advancements. When he returned to civilian life he worked in his own business.

The day finally came when he decided to make the long journey across the Atlantic to begin a new life in the United States. He started with a short stay in New York City where he worked as a busboy in many highend restaurants. But, eventually, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio. It was there that he learned the restaurant business from his brother-in-law, Harry. However, while he worked part time for Harry, he worked full time at General Electric as a machinist. He bought his first home and began living the American dream. He stayed in Cleveland for 15 years.

Harry had moved to Los Angeles to begin a new restaurant endeavor and invited Evangelos to join him. He went gladly. He worked with Harry for a short time then bought his own place, Sam's Fine Food Restaurant in the heart of the garment district of downtown Los Angeles. This was his pride and joy. It was here that he introduced everyone who walked through his doors to THAT Greek Salad! Evangelos loved his Greek heritage.

While living in Cleveland, he taught and supervised the Greek School at many local churches. He wrote Greek poetry and he always sang Greek songs. If you invited him to your wedding, his gift to you always included a poem and a song. Evangelos loved his family. He was married to Catherine for 61 years. He has two children. His son, George and daughter-in-law, Cindy and his daughter, Eugenia and son-in-law, Constantine. He has four grandchildren, Michael, Frances (married to Jeffrey), Katherine and Evan. His last great wish was to sing at his granddaughter's wedding and he did!

Services will be held Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 11:30 am at Saint Sophia Cathedral, 1324 S. Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006. Burial at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. Because Evangelos loved music and singing so much, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Sophia Choir.

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