George Giannopoulos

George Giannopoulos was born an only child in Chicago, Illinois on April 23, 1928 to Stella (Metropoulos) and James Giannopoulos of Kalamata, Greece. George left this world in Plano, Texas on February 24th, 2012 from multiple complications. He is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Christina and son Jeffrey. He is survived by children, Deborah Mustafoglu, husband Mike (CA) and Georgeanne Hyatt, husband Tom (TX,) grandchildren Devran and Deniz Mustafoglu (CA), Derek and Christopher Simpson (TX), neice Fon Young (TX), nephew, Cliff Davis (OK), cousins Ann DeLaGarza and Deborah Damato (IL)

He fell in love with his wife Christina Apostol while serving as a corporal/chef in the US Army Field Artilery at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma and relocated to Oklahoma City from his beloved Chicago to take up his father-in-law's trade of drycleaning. ."Papa George" as he was known to all, wore the hat of drycleaner, church leader, community leader and family man. He was a sponsor of the OK 89ers baseball farm team for the Houston Astros: Jeff was their bat boy and Debbie, Miss Oklahoma sang the national anthem. He served as president at St.George Greek Orthodox Church, editor of the "Round-Up, Greek American district magazine, and his orchestra, "Ta Mangakia" performed throughout the south and mid west at conventions, baptisms and weddings. The Giannopoulos family moved from Oklahoma City in the mid-70's to Houston, Tx with drycleaning as their calling card and were active at Annunciation Greek Orthodox church with Ahepa (50 year member), the Daughters of Penelope and working and dancing at the Greek festivals. Upon their retirement, George and "Kris" decided to share the lovely Florida weather with their eldest daughter Debbie and her family and relocated to Palm Beach Gardens in the early 90s. They were part of the St. Catherine Church community and active in church functions. George's hobby was cooking and had a life-long affair with bacon, bread, butter, mayonnaise, chocolate and baklava! Those who knew him called him "a gentleman's gentleman, full of great stories and wisdom".

Interment will be Friday morning, March 16 at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery for Veterans located at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway in Dallas. Ted Dickey Funeral Home, located at 2128 18th street, Plano, Tx 75074, (972) 424-4511 is in charge of arrangements. Contributions in lieu of flowers are appreciated to the American Diabetes Association P. O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312.

Officiating the service will be Father Christopher Constandinides.