George Michael Haris

George Michael Haris, a devoted husband, loving father, treasured Pappou, and pillar of the community, passed away peacefully at home on July 27, 2023. He leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and a passion for life that touched the lives of so many.

George's journey began in New York City on April 23, 1936. He was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx by his loving Cypriot parents, Steve and Evelyn, along with his sister, Eleni, and three brothers Adam, Costas, and Michael. George’s early childhood was highlighted with frequent family gatherings and a love for baseball. With a large Cypriot community and extended family living in the area, weekends were spent enjoying time at Orchard Beach with their many cousins and friends. He developed his passion for baseball having grown up blocks from Yankee Stadium and the Polo Grounds. He was often found playing stickball in the streets after school, and sometimes during school would sneak out with his brother Adam to catch a game at Yankee Stadium! George's passion for baseball was unwavering throughout his life. He began as a devoted Yankees fan, but over time, grew to love the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals. Almost every evening, he would tune in to watch or listen to the Nats game, and barely missed a pitch during their 2019 World Series run!

Shortly after World War II, the family moved to Silver Spring, Maryland where his father and uncles partnered to start the famed Woodside Deli. George worked at the Deli throughout his teen years, usually at the counter, and eventually served as the family accountant. He graduated from Montgomery Blair HS in 1953, and shortly after enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as a Corporal and was stationed in Japan for over a year, before returning to the US to complete his service at the Naval Ordnance Lab in White Oak and the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C

Returning to civilian life, George and a high school friend ventured across the country to Alaska in pursuit of adventure (and fortunes). However, after working in a gold mine for many months without much reward, he returned to Maryland. He enrolled in The Benjamin Franklin University to earn his accounting degree and he subsequently became a Certified Public Accountant in 1964.

In 1959, George’s sister, Eleni, introduced him to her Greek School teacher, Evangeline Kyriazis, who had recently emigrated from Isaris, Greece. George quickly fell head over heels for “Litsa” and she became the love of his life. They got married in 1961, and enjoyed a wonderful life together. They shared amazing memories formed during every visit with their children and grandchildren, countless weekends in Rehoboth Beach and cherished trips to Greece and Cyprus before Evangeline’s passing in 2013.

A man of strong ethics and civic duty, George had a distinguished career as a CPA for over 50 years. He started his own practice blocks away from the Woodside Deli in the 1960s. Over the years he formed lasting partnerships where he built strong bonds and friendships that would last a lifetime, starting with Steve Krywucki in the late 1960s and near the last years of his career with George Petrov, to whom he entrusted his practice in 2017. He treated his clients like family, establishing countless, long-standing friendships. One of his first clients was Leon “Red” Hopkins, who began working with George when he was only a junior accountant in 1961. Beyond a mere professional relationship, George and Red shared a bond that transcended business – they became lifelong friends, offering unwavering support through life's highs and lows. Moreover, George and Evangeline cherished the many visits and family events they shared with the Hopkins family.

The Greek Orthodox church was an integral part of George’s life. It guided his actions and brought comfort during challenging times. He was a lifelong member and ardent steward of the church, supporting multiple parishes in the Washington metropolitan area. He found solace and strength in the teachings of the Orthodox faith, and prioritized attending Sunday morning services no matter where he was - home, the beach, or traveling out of town.

His service to the church extended far beyond the walls of the buildings. George was honored to serve as accountant and auditor of Sts. Constantine and Helen, St. Sophia, and St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Ocean City for many years. In addition, he was a loyal volunteer at the churches' annual Greek festivals, dedicating his time as a controller, host, and greeter. George's warm smile and welcoming presence made him a beloved figure at the festivals, and he touched the lives of countless individuals through his compassionate and hospitable nature.

George also found joy in the great game of golf. He was introduced to the sport in the 1970s and it quickly captured his heart and kept him engaged in a lifelong pursuit of improvement. Upon retirement, he was a regular in the Northwest Golf Senior League, and for quite a few years took pride in being the oldest golfer in the league. He was also very proud to have introduced his family to the sport he loved so dearly. Many fond memories were created on the golf course with his children, grandchildren, and family friends. George cherished the many moments of togetherness, laughter, and of course frustration with the little dimpled ball.

Throughout his life, George held firm to his ethics and principles, ensuring that he remained steadfast to a high sense of honesty, integrity, respect, and generosity. His church service is a testament to his commitment to community, and he was a long-standing member of both the Masons and Rotary International. A proud member of both organizations, he served in leadership roles for many years including Master of the Anacostia-Pentalpha Mason Lodge and President of the Wheaton-Kensington Rotary Club. George took great pleasure in sponsoring large groups of family and friends for the Rotary Club’s annual Oyster Roast, and mentoring elementary school children throughout the DC community.

Above all else, George was a man devoted to his family and close friends with an unwavering commitment and caring nature that knew no bounds. His family and friends knew they could always count on him, and his selfless acts of kindness and generosity left a lasting impact on the lives of those he loved. George stood by our sides in times of need, offering unwavering support and love. George's legacy as a devoted family man will be forever etched in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to be part of his life.

George is survived by his sister, Eleni Venetoulis, his daughter, Dr. Evelyn Haris, his sons, Steve Haris (Kim), William Haris (Catherine), and Christ Haris (Micole). He is also remembered by 15 treasured grandchildren - Alexandra, George, Braden, Katherine, William, Carleigh, John, Theodore, Evangelos, Matthew, Sophia, Daphne, John, James, and Panagiotis.

Preceding George in death are his loving wife, Evangeline, his brothers Adam, Costas, and Michael, and his parents, Steve & Evelyn.

Services to celebrate George’s life will be taking place on August 8th and 9th. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 8th from 4-8 p.m. at Hines Rinaldi Funeral home, with the Trisagion prayer at 5:30pm (11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD). Funeral services will be on August 9th at 11:00am at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church (721 Norwood Rd, Silver Spring, MD), followed by the Interment at Parklawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in George and Evangeline's memory to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

May George's unwavering faith and commitment to his family and his church continue to inspire us, and may his spirit guide us as we cherish his memory and strive to emulate the values he held dear.