Georgios Sakellariou, 75, died the morning of September 1, 2021, in Syracuse, NY, USA.
Georgios was born March 23,1946, in Leptokaria, Greece. He spent most of his early and formative years in an orphanage, where he developed his loves of woodworking and music. He honed both crafts, and played French Horn in the Symphony Orchestra in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Georgios married his soulmate, Elizabeth, on April 20, 1969. In 1970, he moved Elizabeth, and their nine month old daughter, Anna,(who left Greece with two shoes and arrived in America with one) to America to better their lives. Upon arriving in America, Georgios had no family or friends to greet him. He knew no English, and only had $32 and a working Visa in his pocket. Georgios had a fierce determination to work, and his woodworking craft was quickly praised. Georgios succeeded at Oneida Furniture, becoming its Plant Manager until it closed in the mid-1980's. In 1988, Georgios partnered up, and started his own business, Omega Furniture Manufacturing. Georgios successfully ran his entrepreneurship until 2000. In retirement, Georgios welcomed his three grandchildren into the world and he embraced his new role as Papou.
Georgios was very devoted to his love for the Greek culture and Greek Orthodox Church. He had served as President in both the Pan-Macedonian organization and Ahepa Greek Group, as well as teaching Greek School. In his later years, he continued to share his love for music by serving as Psalti/Canter at his church, St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church.
Georgios should have been immortalized in a Modelo beer commercial, but he passed before his talent was discovered. Friends and family of Georgios will remember his love for others, fun loving personality, considerate nature, strong will, and fighting spirit. Above all, Georgios will be remembered for his loving devotion to his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth,
Georgios is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, daughter, Anna Sakellariou-Nason (Lance) of Los Angeles, son Zisis (Amy) of DeWitt, granddaughter Antoinette, and grandsons George and Haralambos (Bobbi), sister Eleni Sakellariou Kakalopolous and Dimetri Sakellariou of Leptokaria, Greece. Georgios is predeceased by his mother, Anna Silamitra Sakellariou, and father, Zisis Sakellariou. Dad, not only will your memory be eternal, our love for each other will be eternal.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 10 am at St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Rd. Syracuse. Visitation will be held from 9- 10 am at the church. Burial to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery Dewitt.