George John Kizanis

George John Kizanis, 84, of Norwich, Connecticut passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on October 2, 2017 at his daughter’s home. George was born on December 22, 1932 in Poros, Greece to the late John and Anastasia (Stratikis) Kizanis. On July 19, 1960, he was united in marriage to Mary Sakellarides, who predeceased him in 2006. George grew up in Poros, Greece, survived the Nazi occupation of Greece, and joined the Greek Navy as a young man for a better life. He became a sonar operator on a Greek submarine, traveled to many places, and came to the United States in 1958 and met his future wife Mary. Two years later, they married in Greece and built a life in Norwich. They had one daughter, Ann, who was their pride and joy and the light of their lives. George worked at American Thermos, Electric Boat, and Pervel Industries in the early years. He was later owner of Angie’s Pizza in Mystic, Family Pizza Restaurant in Colchester, and Arista Pizza Restaurant in Mystic. George was always a hard worker, efficient, reliable, friendly, and helpful to those around him. George took many evening adult education courses when he first came from Greece and always had a desire to read and keep learning. He enjoyed walking, exercising, and swimming throughout his life. George was a devoted husband and father. He was a soft spoken person and a true gentleman. He was loved by all who knew him, as he had a big heart and kind soul and tried to always offer his best advice to those he knew and loved and those he may have just met. George’s open heart, affectionate nature, smile, and bright blue eyes that lit up his face brought joy to those around him. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. George is survived by his only child, his loving daughter, Ann Kizanis Klapper and her husband Andy Klapper of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, his four brothers, Christos, Nikos, Costas, and Alexandros and their wives in Greece, sister-in-law Ann Sakellarides of Norwich, brother-in-law Nicholas Billias of Groton Long Point, nephew Ulysses Sakellarides of Norwich, niece Elaine Billias of Gales Ferry, niece Meg Sakellarides Mokoski and her husband Scott of East Haddam, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Greece. He is predeceased by his brother Anastasios and his sister Pope in Greece. Relatives and friends are invited for visitation from 6pm - 8pm on Friday, October 6th at the Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Avenue, Norwich, Connecticut with Trisagion Prayer Service at 7pm. A Divine Liturgy service will be held at 10am on Saturday, October 7th at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 247 Washington Street, Norwich, with burial to follow at the Maplewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in his memory. To leave a tribute or express condolences on line, please visit: www.labenskifuneralhome.com