Paul Photopulos '72

Paul Dallas Photopulos

September 24, 1954 - October 20th, 2023

In Loving Memory of Paul “Photo” Photopulos

Paul “Photo” Photopulos, a life-long resident of West Chicago, passed away peacefully at the age of 69 years old on Friday, October 20th, 2023, surrounded by the love of his family. Paul was the cherished son of the late Owanna “Beetle” and Dallas James Photopulos.

As a child, Paul attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Winfield, and he went on to graduate from St. Francis High School in Wheaton in 1972. For the majority of his life, Paul was a dedicated member of the Teamsters Local 710 truck drivers’ union, operating semi-trailers and double-bottoms both over the road and in the city. As well as driving big rigs, Paul was a motorcycle enthusiast, often participating in bike rallies and the Toys for Tots drive. 

Paul’s giving heart knew no bounds, always putting others before himself. He actively supported various community fund-raisers, with a special passion for assisting United States Veterans. He extended kindness to many by bringing his garden herbs and vegetables to the preschool teachers, neighbors, and the owner of the local pizza shop. He voluntarily mowed the lawns of neighbors in need. However, Paul’s most cherished role was that of a loving, dedicated father and a doting grandfather. 

Paul is survived by his three children: Andrew (Nora) Photopulos of Bartlett, Dianna (Nathan) Sullivan of Warrenville, John Paul (Magdalena) Photopulos of Geneva, and their mother, Maria nee Conrad Photopulos of West Chicago. “Papa’s ” legacy will be carried on by his young grandsons Theo, Gabriel, Benjamin, and Luca Photopulos. He is also survived by his brother Guy (Linda) Photopulos, nephews Todd (Kathy) Photopulos, Greg Photopulos, brother-in-law Ron (Michele) Conrad, and nephews Chris (Jen) Conrad and Jeff (Heather) Conrad. He was the fond nephew of the late Delores nee Photopulos (William) McFall and was a dear cousin to Julie (Chuck) Elder and Tom McFall.

A funeral mass to celebrate Paul’s life will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 4th at St. Luke Church in Carol Stream, IL. Following the service, interment will be at the family plot in Assumption Cemetery, Wheaton, IL. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Sunday, November 5th at the American Legion, 123 Main St., West Chicago from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. All who knew and loved Paul are warmly invited to attend and pay their respects.  

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to American Legion of West Chicago. American Legion donation page.

In the memory of Paul “Photo” Photopulos, we say goodbye to a remarkable man whose spirit of generosity and love touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.