Thomas George “Tom” Hatzis, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and proud member of the Greek American community, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the age of 94.
Born in 1931 in Nafpaktos, Greece, Tom was the eldest of four children. His childhood unfolded during the hardships of World War II and the Greek Civil War, years that shaped his resilience and sense of purpose. Like many of his generation, he dreamed of a better future. In the late 1950s he immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island, determined to build a new life. He worked alongside relatives in New York City, became a proud American citizen, and soon answered the call to serve his adopted country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. During the Korean War, he served honorably as a general’s driver.
After completing his service, Tom returned to New York and learned the wholesale flower business from a family member. Encouraged to pursue new opportunities, he and his brother Nicholas traveled to Wilmington, Delaware, a city they had never visited, and boldly purchased a flower shop. They made Wilmington their home and soon discovered Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, which became a source of faith, community, and belonging. For Tom, Holy Trinity was more than a parish. It was a place where culture and friendship were shared, and where newcomers found support during their earliest years in America.
Through determination, long hours, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Tom went on to build a remarkable career. He found success in real estate, restaurants, car dealerships, and business ventures across Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. In the automotive world, he began at Holiday Lincoln Mercury and later became a dealer and co-founder of the Winner Auto Group with his partner and friend, John Hynansky.
In the early 1970s, Tom married and welcomed his daughter, Michelle. From the late 1970s onward, he often said he was living his own version of the American Dream. His real estate portfolio grew, and he entered new industries. In recent years he focused on Winner Ford of Cherry Hill and Emergency Installations, an upfitter of police vehicles. With Michelle joining the family businesses, Winner Ford earned national recognition, including the Ford President’s Award and a ranking among the Top 25 Government Fleet dealers in the country.
Tom’s vision extended beyond automotive ventures. He became a partner in Winner Airport Parking at Philadelphia International Airport, collaborated with Colonial Parking in Wilmington, and played a key role in the redevelopment of Wilmington’s historic University and Whist Club. He also founded and solely owned the beloved Hollywood Grill, a fixture of the local dining scene.
Later in life, Tom found great happiness when he married Bing Yu “Georgia” Hatzis. The two shared a deep love, a devotion to faith, and a passion for dancing, music, and giving back. Their philanthropic efforts supported Greek communities in Wilmington, Cherry Hill, and Nafpaktos, as well as Leadership 100 and numerous U.S. veteran organizations.
Tom lived his life with determination and gratitude. When looking back on his journey, he often quoted Frank Sinatra: “I did it my way.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Georgia Hatzis, his sister Ermioni, and his brother Nicholas. He is survived by his wife, Bing; his sister, Koula Bassiakos; his daughter, Michelle (John Sullivan); his stepdaughter, Christina (Jordan Rodgers); and his grandchildren, Carina Audrey Sullivan and Elin Georgia Sullivan, along with his step-grandchild, Olivia Rodgers.
Funeral Arrangements
A viewing will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 808 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE 19806. The Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 pm, with interment at Silverbrook Cemetery in Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
May his memory be eternal.