Ilias “Louie” Vavoularis, 66, of Crystal Beach passed away on May 24, 2020 of natural causes. He was the long-time owner of Emily's Restaurant, which sits at the entrance of Crystal Beach, and is survived by his wife, Fotini (Fay), his son, Steve, his daughter, Georgina, and his brother, Sarantos (Sam).
Louie was born in Magoula, a town outside of Sparta, and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 12. Settling in Chicago, he attended Von Steuben Metropolitan High School. After leaving, he was managing a local grocery store called Dominicks when he met Fay in 1980, with whose brother he was friends; they married later that year. Their son, Steve, was born in 1981.
Louie, Fay and their son, Steve, moved to Palm Harbor in 1988 after purchasing Emily's Restaurant with Louie's parents, Steve and Georgia. Louie's daughter, Georgina was born in 1989. After the death of his mother in 2002, Louie took over as sole proprietor of the restaurant until his retirement in 2019.
Louie loved being part of the community in Crystal Beach, whether talking and joking with his many repeat customers, or donating food or money to community causes. He was also an avid collector and restorer of vintage cars, mostly focused on American cars from the late sixties and early seventies. He also enjoyed taking advantage of Florida's long growing season, and could often be found planting (and replanting) his garden, where over the years he had grown everything from flowers to avocados to Greek fig trees to loquats — a Japanese plums.
But the center of Louie's life was his family — and especially his children. He worked every day of his life to make sure they didn't want for anything, and he could not have been more proud that both his children graduated from college and found careers in the medical profession helping others.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a favorite charity in Louie's name — or just plant something beautiful in your own yard.
Mike Beijar (friend / customer)
May 26, 2020, 12:00 am
I'm sorry to hear of his passing. I always enjoyed going to lunch at Emily's and talking with him.
Lambros Roumbos, Vicky Tolia (Uncle)
May 27, 2020, 12:00 am
We are terribly sorry and devastated by the sudden loss of your wonderful husband, father and my dear uncle.
Please accept our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences.
God bless his soul and give you strength and courage to go through this difficult time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Καλο παÏάδεισο.
Ο Θεός να τον αναπαÏσει.
Ζωη σε εσάς.
Debra Price and Paul Lemieux (Neighbors )
May 27, 2020, 12:00 am
Fay and family,
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Lou’s passing. He was a wonderful, kind and thoughtful neighbor. Around our circle, and always at Emily’s he would greet us with a generous and heartwarming smile and hello. We will miss his large presence and good humor. Our deepest condolences. If we can be of any help or support we will be more than willing.
Best regards and sympathy.
Debbie and Paul
Bill and Cindy LeVan (Patrons of Emily’s Restaurant )
May 27, 2020, 12:00 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with this family. May you find strength in your Faith to carry you through this difficult time. RIP Louie ðŸ™
Kathy Adams (Former Employee at Emily's)
May 28, 2020, 12:00 am
Sending our deepest condolences to the entire family. Louie was a very kind man, and respectful of my mother, who worked for him for a long time. We remember you all fondly.
Kathy and Dee
mark maryann Kapinos (restaurant)
May 28, 2020, 12:00 am
So sorry may you rest in Peace, so many great meals. our prayers to your family.
Linda Gentry (Patron of Emily's/Neighbor)
May 28, 2020, 12:00 am
My sincere & heartfelt condolences to Fay & family. Lou had the unique gift of touching peoples' lives in a warm & joyful way. He will be missed very much. I feel blessed to have known him. I am so sorry for your loss & may you find comfort & strength as God holds you through this most difficult time.
John, Pat, Tammy, Mike & Tara (Longtime Friends & Customers)
May 29, 2020, 12:00 am
My family and I knew Louie and Faye for many years, I met them when my grandparents brought me in to Emily’s when I was just a baby. Over the years, we became great friends with him and Faye as well as all the staff at Emily’s. I would always give them a picture of me that they would hang up in the restaurant even! He always took the time to sit down and talk with us and make us laugh. We always enjoyed our time with him and Faye throughout the years whenever we visited Emily’s or while seeing them out around town. We are truly heartbroken and our thoughts and prayers are with Faye, his family and the entire staff of Emily’s! He will be deeply missed 😔💕 Rest In Peace Louie!
Love Tara, John, Pat, Tammy and Mike
Joe and Lucy Easley (Neighbor)
May 31, 2020, 12:00 am
Louie was an amazing neighbor and even better person! Always looking out for our family, it was a pure joy to watch him everyday as he groomed his garden, took care of his dogs, and shared his wisdom with the neighborhood. We will miss him very much!
Paula Chiatello (Friend/customer/neighbor)
July 18, 2020, 12:00 am
I just heard of Louie’s passing today. It was an honor to know such a kind man. May you find comfort and peace in the fun loving memories you shared with him. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry and you have my deepest sympathy.