Chris Kalyvas

Charismatic, loving, and full of life, Christos “Chris” Kalyvas had a rare and beautiful gift for bringing joy into every space he entered. His quick wit, radiant humor, and larger-than-life presence made him the heartbeat of every room. He was a storyteller, a jokester, and a friend to many someone who could turn ordinary days into treasured memories. Those who knew him will forever carry the sound of his laughter and the comfort of his generous spirit.

Born in Milwaukee in 1958, Chris lived by values that never left him hard work, loyalty, and family first. After marrying the love of his life, Maria, in 1987, he began his journey in New York, working beside his father-in-law in the family fish market and restaurant. Those early days shaped him, lighting the fire that grew into a lifetime of entrepreneurship and service.

In St. Petersburg, Chris became more than a restaurateur, he became part of the city’s heartbeat.

Through Yaya’s Chicken and ANC’s Pizza, Subs and Salads, he poured his heart into feeding his community and with his instinct for bringing people together, he helped launch First Friday on Central Avenue, a celebration that still echoes with the spirit he helped create.

Chris’s dedication extended into real estate and community development, where he worked tirelessly with his family to transform a large Tampa townhome community into a warm, connected neighborhood.

His commitment to building places where people felt safe, welcome, and united was one of the quiet ways he changed lives.

The center of Chris’s world the true source of his pride and joy was always his family. He lived for his five children, Tim, Bill, Niko, Chris Jr., and Martha, guiding them with unwavering love, strength, and encouragement.

Becoming a Papou brought him immeasurable happiness, Sofia, Spyro, and Christos were the lights of his life.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Maria, his children and grandchildren, his father, Efthymios Kalyvas, his sister, Betty, and his brothers, Bill and James.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha.

Strong, spirited, and endlessly loving, Chris leaves behind a legacy stitched together by family, generosity, and community, one that will continue to shine through every story told, every tradition upheld, and every life he touched. His light will not dim; it will live on in those who loved him most.

A funeral service will be held at St. Stefanos Church, 3600 76th Street North, St. Petersburg, at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 18^th.
Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memory Gardens, 101 58th Street South, St. Petersburg.