George Arthur Skestos

George Arthur Skestos, an influential Ohio real estate developer whose vision helped shape the suburban landscape of Columbus and whose quiet philanthropy supported the region’s arts, education and civic institutions, died on January 9 , 2026 at home in Columbus, Ohio. He was 97.

Over a career spanning more than seven decades, Mr. Skestos was a driving force in transforming Central Ohio’s residential development. As Founder and long-serving President of Homewood Corporation, he oversaw the construction of thousands of homes, fostering neighborhoods that blended growth with lasting community value.

Born during the Great Depression in Owosso, Michigan, George was the son of a Greek immigrant father and German mother who together instilled the values of hard work, education, and Christian morals. Raised in a small rural town in Central Michigan, George blended entrepreneurial spirit and mischief. While as a young boy, he organized local youth labor to control the area’s lawn cutting and snow removal. After graduating high school a year early, George earned three degrees from University of Michigan (MBA and Law concurrently) and built friendships that lasted his life.

After graduation, George entered the United States Navy and proudly served as a Judge Advocate General. But it was in the world of real estate that George found his true reward. After salvaging an investment, he founded Homewood Corporation. He spent the balance of his career building communities throughout several states with trusted colleagues and celebrating an esprit de corps that served as a daily motivation. George mentored countless numbers and relished the opportunity to function as a trusted advisor to those in need.

In addition to his business achievements, Mr. Skestos was a respected civic leader. He served on boards of numerous organizations and was appointed to the Board of Trustees of The Ohio State University, where he was a vocal advocate for academic freedom, excellence, and institutional accountability.

Friends and colleagues remembered his brilliant analytical mind, disciplined work ethic, dry wit, fierce loyalty and deep belief in the responsibility of private citizens to give back. George was a benefactor to numerous causes, often preferring to remain out of the spotlight. As a capstone to his life of public service, George founded Gigi’s Shelter For Dogs, which provides homeless dogs throughout Ohio with veterinary and behavior services. Most importantly, George was a Christian and forever remained thankful for living a full life of God’s rich blessings.

Mr. Skestos is survived by his beloved wife, Justine; four children from his previous marriage to Kathryn Quandt Skestos, Alexandra (Barry) Holmes, Stephanie (James) Gabriele, George (Danielle) Skestos, and Jason Skestos; and his nine grandchildren.

George Skestos will be memorialized in a private ceremony. Friends are welcomed on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the home of Danielle and George Skestos at 140 Park Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43209.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations are made to Gigi’s Shelter For Dogs, https://gigis.org/ or your charity of choice.

In a city often defined by quiet resilience and thoughtful growth, George Skestos left a legacy not just in bricks and mortar, but in the civic fabric of the place he loved.