Gus K. Tripilas, 95, of Rock Island, passed away Monday, April 24, 2023, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, IA.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, April 28, 2023, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Rock Island. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. Burial will be in Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church.

Gus was born on June 29, 1927, in Chicago, IL, the son of Klios and Nota (Bosanaki) Tripilas. He graduated from Rock Island High School in 1946 and later went on to serve in the United States Army. Gus married Virginia Hines in 1958 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Moline. He worked as an electrician for the State of Illinois for many years before retiring. Gus was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Rock Island. He enjoyed golfing and wintering in Florida.

Gus had a passion for Jazz. He was a member of the Catfish Jazz Society and a founding member of the BIX Jazz Festival. He was the drummer for the Riverboaters Jazz Band and they often played locally at Marando’s, The Plantation and Hunter’s Club. Over the years, Gus was also a part of Robert “Smokey” Stover’s Band, 10-piece Caroll Baker Band and the Dixie Lads.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia Tripilas, Moline; children, Ted (Dianna) Moss, AL, Cassie (Jeff) Bieri, Aledo, IL, and Stanley Tripilas, Rock Island, IL; grandchildren, Evan (Deanna) Young and Bailey Tripilas; great grandchild, Brooke Young; and nephew, Nick Fotinakes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Daniel; and sister, Pauline Fotinakes.

Condolences may be made at www.wheelanpressly.com.