Bill Text: MI SR0003 | 2013-2014 | 97th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution offered as a memorial to the life and accomplishments of Ted Gatzaros.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 26-11)
Status: (Passed) 2013-01-16 - Entire Membership Of The Senate And Lieutenant Governor Named Co-sponsors [SR0003 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2013-SR0003-Enrolled.html
SR-3, As Adopted by Senate, January 16, 2013
Senator Richardville offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 3.
A resolution offered as a memorial to the life and accomplishments of Ted Gatzaros.
Whereas, Upon learning of his passing, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Ted Gatzaros, a passionate and devoted business and community leader and champion of Detroit. With great respect and admiration for his genuine love of Detroit and her citizens, we stand together today to extend our most sincere condolences to Ted’s family and many friends and colleagues; and
Whereas, Immediately upon his arrival to the United States from Greece at just 17 years old, Ted demonstrated remarkable qualities of initiative and sustained hard work that, together with his partner in business and in marriage, the love of his life, Maria, built a legacy of extraordinary accomplishments that span more than four decades—accomplishments that are shared today by their talented children, Nico and Ellena, Ellena’s husband Christos Moisides, and Ted’s and Maria’s three adored grandchildren; and
Whereas, Ted arrived in Detroit and enrolled at Wayne State University, where he began his more than forty-year love for his community. He was most well-known for his instrumental role in bringing casinos to Detroit; however, in addition, Ted’s devotion to restoring and protecting Detroit landmarks was unmatched. Among the structures to which he and his partners directed their efforts are the Fisher Building, the First National Building, and the wood timbered 1896 Ferry Seed Company warehouse. Today, the award-winning International Center Building in Greektown, tied together with the acclaimed boutique Atheneum Suites and the International Grand Ballroom, stand where the Ferry Seed Company warehouse once stood. Most recently, Ted, together with his son Nico, restored and opened the London Chop House—a restaurant the Detroit Free Press deemed "the best-known restaurant in Detroit history"; and
Whereas, Ted always had a smile and never forgot a name or a face. Undoubtedly, these simple, yet rare skills, together with the efforts of his adored partners, made him one of Detroit’s leading and successful restaurateurs and developers. Whether you are dining at Fishbone’s in St. Clair Shores, Southfield, or Greektown, or the London Chop House, you are certain to experience the friendliness and warm-heartedness for which Ted Gatzaros was known; and
Whereas, Ted’s generosity matched his entrepreneurial spirit, with him giving back to numerous civic and charitable organizations. His civic service included holding board seats on the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, the Detroit Medical Center, and the Central Business District Association and its Foundation. Both he and his wife Maria have generously donated time and funds to many causes, including the American Cancer Society, Cornerstone Schools, Forgotten Harvest, and Make-a-Wish Foundation. In September, 2012, Ted and Maria were both honored by Northwood University for their entrepreneurial contributions; and
Whereas, In addition to his talents in the business world, Ted was a remarkable cook who had culinary skills which would rival any of the great chefs. Always the welcoming hosts, Ted and his family entertained many friends in their home over the years, including neighbors, colleagues, elected officials, business leaders, and even a United States President. Much like his advice that was sought after by many, Ted’s honesty and often irreverent and cynical sense of humor will be recounted for years to come; and
Whereas, The life of Ted Gatzaros, as well as his generosity and love for community and the state of Michigan as a whole, cannot be summed up in words; but perhaps can be best symbolized by the legacy he leaves for all of us and future generations—the beautiful buildings and businesses in Detroit to which he devoted a lifetime; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we offer our words of praise and gratitude as a memorial for Ted Gatzaros. May his family be comforted by the unconditional love and affection he showed to them, as well as the memories of this fine man, his life’s work, and the many people whose lives he impacted; and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to his loving wife Maria and the Gatzaros family as a token of our highest esteem.
