George S. Chiotakis

CHIOTAKIS, GEORGE SOTIRIS, age 80, passed away Thursday, March 22, 2012 at his home in Shelby County, Alabama with family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Irene; daughter, Stacy Chiotakis of Helena, Alabama; and son, Steven Chiotakis of Los Angeles, California. A fighter to the end, George was a survivor to the truest definition of the word, and his strong faith in God guided him through every step of his life. Born in Piraeus, Greece, to a large family in 1932, he survived German occupation, poverty and troubled times. At age 18, he came to the United States to be near his older brother, Steve Chiotakis, and older sister, Tula Jansen, both of whom had emigrated a few years earlier. Both Steve and Tula preceded George in death, as did two other brothers, Panteli and John of Athens, Greece. George is survived by two sisters, Maria Vasilakou and Anastasia Lampropoulos, both of Piraeus, Greece; and a brother, Phillipos Chiotakis, also of Piraeus. A veteran of the United States Army, George served his new country in the Panama Canal Zone during the Korean Conflict. A noted restaurateur and chef, George made people smile with his witty personality, effervescent charm, and, of course, good food. His family, with whom he was very close, also includes Jim and Penny Kovakas of Wilsonville, Alabama; their children, George, Jim and David and families, Frances Karagas, of Tampa, Florida, and her children, Celeste, Kerry, Mark, John and Jim and their families, Stephen and Evelyn Stathakes of Gardendale, Alabama, and their children George and Adamantia, John and Andria Garbis and Emerald Chiotakis of Fairfax County, Virginia, and Tim and Evelyn Klund and their children Steven and Elena, of Charlotte, North Carolina. George's spirit lit many lives and inspired a new generation to serve and explore. He leaves a legacy of love and respect. For those who would like to pay tribute and remember, visitation is Sunday evening, March 25, 2012, starting at 5:30 p.m., with Trisageon at 7p.m. at the Holy-Trinity, Holy-Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama. Funeral will be at the church Monday morning, March 26, 2012 at 11 a.m. with burial following in Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham. Thanks to Nancy, Dino and Angela Drakos from the Fish Market Restaurant for a special meal prepared to honor George. We love you, George. Your memory will be eternal!