Deno Steve Caloudas

Deno Steve Caloudas, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on November 1, 1943, in Houston, Texas, Deno was the third child of his parents, Georgia and Steve Caloudas. He grew up alongside his three siblings, George, Elayne, and Steve Jr. After graduating from Bellaire High School, he attended the University of Houston before taking over and expanding his father’s restaurant business into multiple locations in Houston and New Orleans. His involvement in the industry led him to serve as president of the Houston Restaurant Association and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Restaurant Association, as well as being actively involved in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Deno met his wife of fifty-three years, Elaine Mamalakis Caloudas, when she traveled from her hometown of Savannah, Georgia to Houston for a Clergy-Laity Conference for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. He always insisted he fell in love with her the moment he saw her. They were married on June 30, 1973, and grew their family to include two children, Christie and Greg, along with a much-loved Golden Retriever, Clifford, who ranked suspiciously high in the family hierarchy.

After selling the restaurant business, Deno and his family moved to Hilton Head Island in 1990, where he pursued another of his great loves-being on the water. An avid boater and member of the Wexford Yacht Club, the South Carolina Yacht Club, the Hilton Head Yacht Club, and the Vero Beach Yacht Club, Deno took his family on boating adventures from the Chesapeake Bay to the Florida Keys and throughout the Bahamas. He was never happier than when he was on the water, and he always encouraged his children to pursue the things they loved, because “you never know how many weekends you have left.”

Deno’s Greek heritage and Orthodox faith remained important throughout his life. He served on the Parish Council of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston and on the Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Church of America. He was awarded the Medal of St. Paul, the highest commendation of the Greek Orthodox Church of America, for exemplary leadership and dedication. He was also an active member of Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Bluffton.

Deno was a longtime supporter of Rotary International and was an active member of the Rotary Club of Hilton Head. He was especially passionate about Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio, a cause deeply personal to him because he had contracted polio as an infant. Despite the many ways polio had impacted his life, he was determined not to let it slow him down.

Deno packed a remarkable amount of living into his eighty-two years. He worked hard, loved deeply, ate well, kept his family close, enjoyed his five o'clock cocktail, and was always ready for another adventure. He had a smile for everyone he met and a big personality that filled every room he was in. Wherever someone makes a reference to Deno, it is usually received with a smile or simply the words “I love Deno.” He had a way of leaving people happy they had known him. His passing leaves an enormous hole for those who knew and loved him, but we are comforted knowing that his most glorious adventure lies ahead.

Deno is survived by his wife, Elaine; his daughter, Christie Vlahakos and son-in-law, George; his son, Greg Caloudas and daughter-in-law, Meghann; and his grandchildren (who lovingly know him as “Pops’), Ellie Vlahakos, Anna Vlahakos, William Vlahakos, and Hudson Caloudas. He is also survived by his sister, Elayne Kouzounis; his brother, Steve Caloudas, Jr.; and his many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Sauls Funeral Home in Bluffton at 10:00 am, with visitation beginning at 9:30 am. Burial will immediately follow at Six Oaks Cemetery in Hilton Head. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in Deno’s memory to Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Bluffton, SC; Rotary Club International’s End Polio Now Campaign; or MiraSol Health Hospice Care.