Petros was a master tailor in Omaha NE.
Petros Anastasios Axiotes was born in Koroni Messinia, Greece on April 20, 1919. He was the sixth of seven children in a family that produced olives and olive oil in the most distinguished area of Greece.
Because of the war and the times in the 1930’s in Greece, he did Military service and worked for the Athens Police in the Pireaus area. Being close to the water was very important.
After ten years there, he took an opportunity to come to the United States. Stopping in the New Jersey area and coming to relatives in Sioux City, Iowa, he met Olympia B. Fotoplos in Omaha, Nebraska and was married on November 30, 1958. They moved to Omaha and stated their business, the OK Cleaners and Tailors. With no language or resources, they worked hard together to establish a downtown landmark.
At OK Cleaners and Tailors, not only did you get a custom suit to order, your shoes shined, and your hat blocked, but you also received words of wisdom and comfort during a busy work week, prayers of strength, a hearty lunch, or a dessert sampling. People who came in as customers always left as friends. Coffee and koulourakia were always served.
Located on 16th Street, theirs was the only tailor shop in downtown Omaha. Federal workers, judges, lawyers, prominent businessmen, doctors, mayors, governors, etc. were all customers. They maintained excellent relationship with downtown businesses that included: Natelson Department Store, Goldstein Chapman’s, Younker Kilpatrick’s, the Nebraska, Landen’s and Brandeis. The longest relationship of this kind was with Sol Parsow and his family at Parsow’s. David and Steve had Petros working at the Regency location up until recent years—a 50+ year relationship.
Petros unmistakably was an unwavering patriot of his newly adopted country. Omaha Police uniforms had chevrons, buttons, insignia sewn on. SAC uniforms had special stripes and appliques sewn on. Any flags that needed repairs, were stitched on the spot. He also tailored for the Aksarben Ball and Mutual of Omaha. Generals had uniforms made to fit. The Tailor Shop was the hub of activities and friends checking in. All of this was done for FREE for the love of his country.
The philanthropy and gratitude continued in the Greek Orthodox church. Vestments for the priest, altar boy robes, choir robes and linens for the Philoptochos were also taken care of.
Petros had a vast connection to the Omaha-Council Bluffs community, as well as Lincoln, Bellevue and Sioux City.
He was a lifelong AHEPA member and wore his membership pin on his lapel next to his American Flag pin. He had friends all over the U.S. from this Hellenic Education group, and the brotherhood was heartfelt till the end.
To know Petros was to know the door was always open, the food was always plentiful (and delicious), the hospitality was genuine and the “kefi” undeniable. Life was celebrated to the highest caliber. Those who celebrated an Axiotes gathering along with us—whether it be a nameday party, baptism, or wedding—knew it was memorable for those who attended.
Along with changes in downtown Omaha—and a little urban sprawl—the OK Cleaners and Tailor Shop moved to 35th and Center. No customers were lost, and the business expanded.
When he reached the age of 95, the state of Nebraska thought to give Petros a driver’s license for five more years. Why? No automobile accidents until his death. EVER.
He will be remembered always as inclusive, never knowing a stranger, a businessman, church member, koumbaro, theo, AHEPAN, father, husband and papou. He was Greek to the core but a proud American, all 97 years.
Survived by:
Wife: Olympia
Daughters: Katina (Joseph)Rogers, Margaret(James)Doan, Anastasia(Nick)Koliopoulos
Son: Frank (Shelley) Axiotes
Grandchildren: Alexander, Kyle, James, Vasili, Michael, Marie, Olympia, Sprio, Zachary and Lexi
Brother: Paraskeva Axiotopoulos, living in Greece
Beloved dog: Socrates
Omaha World Herald
Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler
July 2016
Petros Anastasios Axiotes was born in Koroni Messinia, Greece on April 20, 1919. He was the sixth of seven children in a family that produced olives and olive oil in the most distinguished area of Greece.
Because of the war and the times in the 1930’s in Greece, he did Military service and worked for the Athens Police in the Pireaus area. Being close to the water was very important.
After ten years there, he took an opportunity to come to the United States. Stopping in the New Jersey area and coming to relatives in Sioux City, Iowa, he met Olympia B. Fotoplos in Omaha, Nebraska and was married on November 30, 1958. They moved to Omaha and stated their business, the OK Cleaners and Tailors. With no language or resources, they worked hard together to establish a downtown landmark.
At OK Cleaners and Tailors, not only did you get a custom suit to order, your shoes shined, and your hat blocked, but you also received words of wisdom and comfort during a busy work week, prayers of strength, a hearty lunch, or a dessert sampling. People who came in as customers always left as friends. Coffee and koulourakia were always served.
Located on 16th Street, theirs was the only tailor shop in downtown Omaha. Federal workers, judges, lawyers, prominent businessmen, doctors, mayors, governors, etc. were all customers. They maintained excellent relationship with downtown businesses that included: Natelson Department Store, Goldstein Chapman’s, Younker Kilpatrick’s, the Nebraska, Landen’s and Brandeis. The longest relationship of this kind was with Sol Parsow and his family at Parsow’s. David and Steve had Petros working at the Regency location up until recent years—a 50+ year relationship.
Petros unmistakably was an unwavering patriot of his newly adopted country. Omaha Police uniforms had chevrons, buttons, insignia sewn on. SAC uniforms had special stripes and appliques sewn on. Any flags that needed repairs, were stitched on the spot. He also tailored for the Aksarben Ball and Mutual of Omaha. Generals had uniforms made to fit. The Tailor Shop was the hub of activities and friends checking in. All of this was done for FREE for the love of his country.
The philanthropy and gratitude continued in the Greek Orthodox church. Vestments for the priest, altar boy robes, choir robes and linens for the Philoptochos were also taken care of.
Petros had a vast connection to the Omaha-Council Bluffs community, as well as Lincoln, Bellevue and Sioux City.
He was a lifelong AHEPA member and wore his membership pin on his lapel next to his American Flag pin. He had friends all over the U.S. from this Hellenic Education group, and the brotherhood was heartfelt till the end.
To know Petros was to know the door was always open, the food was always plentiful (and delicious), the hospitality was genuine and the “kefi” undeniable. Life was celebrated to the highest caliber. Those who celebrated an Axiotes gathering along with us—whether it be a nameday party, baptism, or wedding—knew it was memorable for those who attended.
Along with changes in downtown Omaha—and a little urban sprawl—the OK Cleaners and Tailor Shop moved to 35th and Center. No customers were lost, and the business expanded.
When he reached the age of 95, the state of Nebraska thought to give Petros a driver’s license for five more years. Why? No automobile accidents until his death. EVER.
He will be remembered always as inclusive, never knowing a stranger, a businessman, church member, koumbaro, theo, AHEPAN, father, husband and papou. He was Greek to the core but a proud American, all 97 years.
Survived by:
Wife: Olympia
Daughters: Katina (Joseph)Rogers, Margaret(James)Doan, Anastasia(Nick)Koliopoulos
Son: Frank (Shelley) Axiotes
Grandchildren: Alexander, Kyle, James, Vasili, Michael, Marie, Olympia, Sprio, Zachary and Lexi
Brother: Paraskeva Axiotopoulos, living in Greece
Beloved dog: Socrates
Omaha World Herald
Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler
July 2016
Petros was a master tailor in Omaha NE.
Petros Anastasios Axiotes was born in Koroni Messinia, Greece on April 20, 1919. He was the sixth of seven children in a family that produced olives and olive oil in the most distinguished area of Greece.
Because of the war and the times in the 1930’s in Greece, he did Military service and worked for the Athens Police in the Pireaus area. Being close to the water was very important.
After ten years there, he took an opportunity to come to the United States. Stopping in the New Jersey area and coming to relatives in Sioux City, Iowa, he met Olympia B. Fotoplos in Omaha, Nebraska and was married on November 30, 1958. They moved to Omaha and stated their business, the OK Cleaners and Tailors. With no language or resources, they worked hard together to establish a downtown landmark.
At OK Cleaners and Tailors, not only did you get a custom suit to order, your shoes shined, and your hat blocked, but you also received words of wisdom and comfort during a busy work week, prayers of strength, a hearty lunch, or a dessert sampling. People who came in as customers always left as friends. Coffee and koulourakia were always served.
Located on 16th Street, theirs was the only tailor shop in downtown Omaha. Federal workers, judges, lawyers, prominent businessmen, doctors, mayors, governors, etc. were all customers. They maintained excellent relationship with downtown businesses that included: Natelson Department Store, Goldstein Chapman’s, Younker Kilpatrick’s, the Nebraska, Landen’s and Brandeis. The longest relationship of this kind was with Sol Parsow and his family at Parsow’s. David and Steve had Petros working at the Regency location up until recent years—a 50+ year relationship.
Petros unmistakably was an unwavering patriot of his newly adopted country. Omaha Police uniforms had chevrons, buttons, insignia sewn on. SAC uniforms had special stripes and appliques sewn on. Any flags that needed repairs, were stitched on the spot. He also tailored for the Aksarben Ball and Mutual of Omaha. Generals had uniforms made to fit. The Tailor Shop was the hub of activities and friends checking in. All of this was done for FREE for the love of his country.
The philanthropy and gratitude continued in the Greek Orthodox church. Vestments for the priest, altar boy robes, choir robes and linens for the Philoptochos were also taken care of.
Petros had a vast connection to the Omaha-Council Bluffs community, as well as Lincoln, Bellevue and Sioux City.
He was a lifelong AHEPA member and wore his membership pin on his lapel next to his American Flag pin. He had friends all over the U.S. from this Hellenic Education group, and the brotherhood was heartfelt till the end.
To know Petros was to know the door was always open, the food was always plentiful (and delicious), the hospitality was genuine and the “kefi” undeniable. Life was celebrated to the highest caliber. Those who celebrated an Axiotes gathering along with us—whether it be a nameday party, baptism, or wedding—knew it was memorable for those who attended.
Along with changes in downtown Omaha—and a little urban sprawl—the OK Cleaners and Tailor Shop moved to 35th and Center. No customers were lost, and the business expanded.
When he reached the age of 95, the state of Nebraska thought to give Petros a driver’s license for five more years. Why? No automobile accidents until his death. EVER.
He will be remembered always as inclusive, never knowing a stranger, a businessman, church member, koumbaro, theo, AHEPAN, father, husband and papou. He was Greek to the core but a proud American, all 97 years.
Survived by:
Wife: Olympia
Daughters: Katina (Joseph)Rogers, Margaret(James)Doan, Anastasia(Nick)Koliopoulos
Son: Frank (Shelley) Axiotes
Grandchildren: Alexander, Kyle, James, Vasili, Michael, Marie, Olympia, Sprio, Zachary and Lexi
Brother: Paraskeva Axiotopoulos, living in Greece
Beloved dog: Socrates
Omaha World Herald
Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler
July 2016
Petros Anastasios Axiotes was born in Koroni Messinia, Greece on April 20, 1919. He was the sixth of seven children in a family that produced olives and olive oil in the most distinguished area of Greece.
Because of the war and the times in the 1930’s in Greece, he did Military service and worked for the Athens Police in the Pireaus area. Being close to the water was very important.
After ten years there, he took an opportunity to come to the United States. Stopping in the New Jersey area and coming to relatives in Sioux City, Iowa, he met Olympia B. Fotoplos in Omaha, Nebraska and was married on November 30, 1958. They moved to Omaha and stated their business, the OK Cleaners and Tailors. With no language or resources, they worked hard together to establish a downtown landmark.
At OK Cleaners and Tailors, not only did you get a custom suit to order, your shoes shined, and your hat blocked, but you also received words of wisdom and comfort during a busy work week, prayers of strength, a hearty lunch, or a dessert sampling. People who came in as customers always left as friends. Coffee and koulourakia were always served.
Located on 16th Street, theirs was the only tailor shop in downtown Omaha. Federal workers, judges, lawyers, prominent businessmen, doctors, mayors, governors, etc. were all customers. They maintained excellent relationship with downtown businesses that included: Natelson Department Store, Goldstein Chapman’s, Younker Kilpatrick’s, the Nebraska, Landen’s and Brandeis. The longest relationship of this kind was with Sol Parsow and his family at Parsow’s. David and Steve had Petros working at the Regency location up until recent years—a 50+ year relationship.
Petros unmistakably was an unwavering patriot of his newly adopted country. Omaha Police uniforms had chevrons, buttons, insignia sewn on. SAC uniforms had special stripes and appliques sewn on. Any flags that needed repairs, were stitched on the spot. He also tailored for the Aksarben Ball and Mutual of Omaha. Generals had uniforms made to fit. The Tailor Shop was the hub of activities and friends checking in. All of this was done for FREE for the love of his country.
The philanthropy and gratitude continued in the Greek Orthodox church. Vestments for the priest, altar boy robes, choir robes and linens for the Philoptochos were also taken care of.
Petros had a vast connection to the Omaha-Council Bluffs community, as well as Lincoln, Bellevue and Sioux City.
He was a lifelong AHEPA member and wore his membership pin on his lapel next to his American Flag pin. He had friends all over the U.S. from this Hellenic Education group, and the brotherhood was heartfelt till the end.
To know Petros was to know the door was always open, the food was always plentiful (and delicious), the hospitality was genuine and the “kefi” undeniable. Life was celebrated to the highest caliber. Those who celebrated an Axiotes gathering along with us—whether it be a nameday party, baptism, or wedding—knew it was memorable for those who attended.
Along with changes in downtown Omaha—and a little urban sprawl—the OK Cleaners and Tailor Shop moved to 35th and Center. No customers were lost, and the business expanded.
When he reached the age of 95, the state of Nebraska thought to give Petros a driver’s license for five more years. Why? No automobile accidents until his death. EVER.
He will be remembered always as inclusive, never knowing a stranger, a businessman, church member, koumbaro, theo, AHEPAN, father, husband and papou. He was Greek to the core but a proud American, all 97 years.
Survived by:
Wife: Olympia
Daughters: Katina (Joseph)Rogers, Margaret(James)Doan, Anastasia(Nick)Koliopoulos
Son: Frank (Shelley) Axiotes
Grandchildren: Alexander, Kyle, James, Vasili, Michael, Marie, Olympia, Sprio, Zachary and Lexi
Brother: Paraskeva Axiotopoulos, living in Greece
Beloved dog: Socrates
Omaha World Herald
Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler
July 2016
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