Angelo George

Angelo S. George, 79, of Mansfield, died Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at his home following a brief illness. Born August 24, 1929 in Lahanokipoi, Kastoria, Greece, he was the son of Stavros and Soultana Stavridis. He emigrated from Greece in 1955. Upon his arrival to the U.S., Angelo came to Mansfield to work for his uncle, John George, at the Coney Island Restaurant on North Main. A gentleman with an entrepreneurial spirit, he purchased the business in 1965 from his uncle. Angelo and his brother, Petros Stavridis, relocated the restaurant to the square in Mansfield in 1971. Angelo enjoyed the 50 years he was in the restaurant business. He prided himself on his close relationships to his customers and employees. Customers who moved out of the area would always make a point of coming to the Coney Island when they returned to town. Angelo enjoyed hearing their wonderful stories of how much his food, atmosphere, and friendship meant to the customers. They all wanted to stop in the restaurant to say hello to Angelo. The church, family, and business were the central parts of Angelo's life. His kind and caring ways are remembered by all who knew him, especially his family. Angelo was extremely spiritual and faithful to his church, Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. He served as parish council officer for the church. He was a proud 32nd Degree Mason with the Venus lodge, and also a member of the Order of AHEPA. A veteran of the Greek Army, Angelo served during WWII. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and warmth to all who knew him.

Angelo was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Siskopoulos George on July 22, 1987 after 31 years of marriage. Together they had a daughter and son-in-law, Dorothy and George Andress of Mansfield, and son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Karen George of Perrysburg. They shared three grandchildren, George Andress III, Angela Andress, and Spencer George. In 1990, Angelo married his current wife of 19 years, Kleopatra George. This extended family includes two sons and daughter-in-law, Victor and Linda Kakavas, and Alex Kakavas, all of California. They shared two grandchildren, Dimitri and Alexandra Kakavas. Angelo loved his family dearly, as they loved him. He will be missed by his wife, children, and five grandchildren who adored their "Papou". They will miss his humor, love, and guidance. Angelo also leaves two brothers and sisters-in-law, Petros and Vasiliki Stavridis, and Jimmy and Annette George, all of Mansfield; one sister, Elefteria Karayiannis of Lahanokipoi, Greece; sisters-in-law and their spouses, Soula and Mickey Kiriazi of Thessaloniki, Greece, Christine and Spiro Naumoff of Mansfield, and Stavroula Ioannidis of Toronto, Canada; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends. In addition to his parents, Angelo was preceded in death by an infant son, Pauly George; two brothers, George Stavridis and Athanasi Stavridis; and sister, Alexandra Karayiannis.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2009 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Mansfield. Masonic services will be held at 6 p.m. and a Trisaigon Service will be held after calling hours at 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 265 W. Third St., Mansfield, conducted by Father Michael, pastor of the church. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church or MedCentral Hospice, 335 Glessner Ave., Mansfield.