George was born January 10, 1933 in Tzivas, Greece. He was the eldest son of Nicholas George Gekas and Georgia Theodoropoulos Gekas and immigrated to the United States at the age of 17. Upon arrival his in Harrisburg, he was employed by his uncles at The Locust Street Café during the day and attended night school classes to learn English and to proudly and legally earn his citizenship. In 1959, he opened The Ranch restaurant where his success enabled him to buy his uncles' business at The Locust in 1971. He increased their business which led to expansion of the restaurant to what became The Gazebo Room Restaurant in 1973. George's legacy will endure as the creator of the Gazebo Room Greek Salad Dressing which his family has been manufacturing and distributing coast to coast since 1989. Above and beyond his success in business, George's greatest achievement was the example he set for his family as a loving husband, nurturing father and a man of faith and high moral character. George was the quintessential people person who enjoyed spending time with his customers, neighbors, friends and family of whom he was immensely proud. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and celebrated 23 World Series Championships with "his boys". After retiring from restaurant business in 1989, he spent his days at his sons' factory supervising the mass production of his recipe. He enjoyed spending time in his garden and tending to his swimming pool and yard, always with his trademark cigar. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's high school and collegiate athletic events.
He was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and AHEPA Lodge 64.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years and the love of his life, Yvonne Thomakos Gekas, son Nick and Irene (Mallas), George and Eva of Lewisberry, son Dean and Katrina (Karanicolas), Jenna and Evie of Hunt Valley, MD, and son Steven and Nancy (Katz), William and Alex of York, and many loving in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister Vasiliki Meklis, and brothers Thomas N. Gekas, and Peter N. Gekas.
A viewing will be held at the Neill Funeral Home in Camp Hill on Thursday April 22, 2021 from 6-8:PM. A Trisagion Service will be offered at 7:PM. A Funeral Service will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1000 Yverdon Drive in Camp Hill on Friday, April 23, 2021 and will begin promptly at 11:AM. There will be no prior visitation at the Church. Interment will follow at East Harrisburg Cemetery followed by a Memorial Luncheon for the immediate family due to COVID restrictions.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, charitable donations be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral or Hospice of Central PA.
