Chicago businessman and philanthropist Chris P. Tomaras passed away this morning in Chicago, leaving a legacy behind that emphasized education for Greek American youth and civic support of various community institutions.

Tomaras, born in Pireaus, emigrated to the United States in 1968 and was involved in numerous business throughout his early years in the country, most notably the gyro manufacturing giant Kronos, which he founded in 1975 that ultimately grew to become the largest gyro meat manufacturer in the nation.

He was a major donor and supporter of numerous Greek cultural, religious and civic associations with a major gift to the St. Iakovos Camp and Retreat Center of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, where a building is named after him.

But his biggest contribution to society was the education of young people and his PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation that he founded and grew to become the nation’s largest scholarship-giving foundation for Greek Americans. To date, more then 300 college students have received grants totaling more than $2 million.

Funeral arrangements for Mr. Tomaras in Chicago are pending further notice.