Spiro's Painting Services

Spiro Dalageorgas: A Colorful Life

By Matt Solis, Editor

For Spiro Dalageorgas, the early experience he gained working for one of the largest painting companies in the United States gave him a clear trajectory for the rest of his professional life. “I got hired as a painter at M. Ecker & Co. in Chicago back in 1962, and I eventually worked my way up to foreman and assistant superintendent,” he remembers. “I worked seven days a week for a couple of years straight, but it was very rewarding. They actually wanted me to run their downtown painting operations, but I decided it would be better to go out on my own. I started Spiro’s Painting Services in 1965, relocated to Las Vegas in 1978 and finally settled in Napa in 1981.”

Today, Spiro says his favorite part of his job is the personal connections he makes along the way. “I love meeting new people and building my reputation as a trusted name in the community. I have a big clientele list and I’m lucky to have worked for some very influential people over the years.”

A resident of Napa County for more than four decades, Spiro says his favorite part of life in Wine Country is the natural beauty he’s surrounded by every day. “The weather, the rolling hills, the vineyards…it’s just a beautiful place to live.”

Outside of work, Spiro dedicates most of his free time to his family, but he also makes room for a particular lifelong passion. “When I got remarried, my wife had two lovely boys who became my stepsons, and they’ve given us grandchildren and even some great-grandchildren,” he details. “When I’m not with family, my biggest hobby is playing piano. I’ve been playing since I was little—in fact, when I was 15, I performed Chopin’s ‘Minute Waltz’ on a TV show in Chicago called ‘The Morris B. Sachs Amateur Hour.’”

When asked what his life might look like if he retired tomorrow, Spiro says his first move would be packing his bags for an extended trip. “I would love to go back to Greece and also take my wife to Italy—she’s Italian but she’s never been. Of course, I’d travel around the U.S., too. There’s just so much to see.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could immediately master a musical instrument, what would you choose?
A: Accordion.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Mustards Grill in Napa. I also like Fumé and Cordeiro’s Steakhouse.

Q: Would you rather live somewhere hot or cold?
A: Somewhere hot.

Q: What are some of your favorite local wineries?
A: Foley Family Wines, Sebastiani, Silverado Vineyards and Chalk Hill.

Q: What’s your favorite saying?
A: “You only live once, so you might as well enjoy it.”