George attended Lowell Elementary, where he met his lifelong friends, Don Nicholson, John Martin, and Gary Kearns. Together they moved on to Washington Junior High and then to Fresno High School where they played Varsity Basketball.
As a teenager, George started working in the grocery business at Giordano’s Market, then later worked as an assistant manager for Continental Market and then went on to own the Apollo Market. George served as a proud Marine in the U.S Armed Forces, and he even managed a restaurant for his cousin George Sarantos at Club One Casino.
He married Cathy Showalter and had a son, George Gregory Stalis. In 1984, George found love again and married Rachel Recendez, “his angel,” whom he cherished for nearly 50 wonderful years.
George was well known for his sense of humor, and his love and unending generosity for everyone. He loved entertaining at home for friends and family, making his famous moussaka. He will be long remembered by his guests who were treated like royalty. All those who knew and loved him will sincerely miss George. The world is a little less funny today.
His wife, Rachel Stalis, son George Stalis (Veronica), his sister Bessie Stalis, his brother Angelo Stalis (Barbara), granddaughter Brittany (Junior Cajbon), great grandson Mateo, and many nieces and nephews, survive him.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Fay, and Brother John.
A private service was held at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno, California, a burial following was held at Belmont Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in George’s name.
