George John Tsoris

George Tsoris of Oceanside, CA peacefully fell asleep in the Lord on October 21, 2025, at home with his beloved wife, Pauline, by his side. He was 97. George was born in Milwaukee, WI to John and Mary Tsoris, originally from Roumeli, Greece. He was the second of four sons-Chris and Tom (both deceased) and Nick of Louisville, KY.

A proud Navy veteran, George served his country in the South Pacific from 1946-1948. After returning home, he earned a degree in Philosophy from Marquette University. George belonged to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, where he was an altar boy, a Sunday School teacher, and was active in its Hellenic Youth Organization. It was there he met the love of his life, Pauline Stathas, when she was just 16. They married at Annunciation Church in 1953 and began a blessed life together.

George launched a thriving career in retail advertising, beginning as Assistant Advertising Manager at Gimbels Department Store in Milwaukee. He and Pauline later moved to Chicago, where his success expanded to prominent retail stores and magazine publications. They were blessed with two children, Jason and Detra (deceased).

George and Pauline eventually opened a Century 21 Real Estate brokerage in Park Ridge, IL, and then the Appraisal Center. They both were designated Senior Residential Appraisers. After retiring in 2009, they relocated to Oceanside, CA to be near family where Pauline’s sister, Audriane, and brother-in-law, Ciro Menos lived. They became devoted members of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, where they formed cherished friendships and contributed joyfully to parish life as longtime choir members, Prime Timers, Greek Festival volunteers, and more.

A lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, George enjoyed playing chess, poker, and Shanghai. He and Pauline sang together in Greek Orthodox church choirs for over 50 years. He loved cooking, experimenting with new recipes, and baking bread to share with others. A passionate reader and lover of poetry, George completed daily newspaper crossword puzzles until just a few days before he passed. Those who knew George remember his ability to recite hundreds of poems from memory.

George devoted much of his life to serving others-from helping inmates earn GEDs, visiting assisted living homes reading stories and poetry to seniors and leading them in songs, to sharing poetry with young students. In Northbrook, IL, he became an “adopted grandfather” to the third graders he inspired, and in Oceanside, he continued teaching poetry at the Boys & Girls Club of Vista for more than four years. His positive impact was honored with the prestigious 2018 Maytag Dependable Leader National Award, accompanied by a $20,000 grant for the Vista Club. That same year, GOYA at Saints Constantine and Helen named him “Father of the Year”.

Everyone who knew George was touched by his generosity, his curiosity about the world, and his thoughtful way of nurturing others. One of his favorite pearls of wisdom: “The beauty of poetry is that the younger you are when you read it, the longer it stays with you.”

George is survived by Pauline, his devoted wife of more than 72 years; his son Jason (Carla) Tsoris of Batavia, IL; his brother Nick (Nancy) Tsoris of Louisville, KY; uncle of Irene Becker, John Tsoris, Dino Tsoris, Stephen Tsoris, Ann Revell, Patrick Tsoris, Valerie (Murry) Smith, Diane (Tim) Truesdell, George Menos, Jamie Stathas, and Sara Stathas (Joe Picciolo); sister-in-law Pat Stathas; godchildren, extended relatives, and treasured friends. He was a beloved father figure to many and a true patriarch to those who had the blessing of knowing him.

The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation for the many prayers and acts of kindness received. Your love and support during this time of bereavement will always be remembered.

The Trisagion and Funeral Services will be held at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007 on Thursday, November 13 at 9:30 am followed by a memorial luncheon. Interment at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego at 2:15 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s memory to Saint Helen Philoptochos, 3459 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007.