George Theodore Galanopoulos, age 92, beloved son of the late Theodore and Edna Galanopoulos; loving father of Theodore Gailan and Dean (Christine) Galanopoulos; proud grandfather of Alexandra (Jaysen) Euler and George and Stephen Galanopoulos.
George was preceded in death by his beloved wife Penelope. He was a devoted and loving husband in a marriage that lasted 59 years.
After graduating from McKinley High School in Chicago, George entered the U.S. Army and became 1st Sergeant of the heavy weapons unit stationed in Korea during WWII. After his tour of duty, George was recommended for a direct admit to West Point, which he declined. He then went on to receive his BSC and MBA degrees from De Paul University, after a short stint at Ripon College in Wisconsin.
Once his formal education was received, George did what every Galanopoulos – his father, uncles and cousins – did before him, join the family-owned Galanopoulos Brothers on Halsted Street in Chicago; the largest Hellenic supplier of shoe repair items. Their warehouse was a “mecca” for relatives and friends who visited Greek Town. Greek food and drink were always available, especially on Christmas and Easter. Cousins Gus and Peter Galanopoulos, along with George, were the last owners of Galanopoulos Brothers, which was sold in 1995 after 75 years of service to the shoe repair industry.
A long-time parish council member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago, George became president of the parish council. Under his presidency, a fund drive was initiated for the restoration and rehabilitation of the church. The “Basilica of the Diocese”, as George always referred to the church, was restored to its original splendor and magnificence.
George had many family members and many friends in his lifetime, most of whom preceded him in death and whom he adored. His loving sister Lillian, cousins Gus and Pete Galanopoulos, dear friend John Chiakulas and his “partner in crime” Johnny Agnos, to name but a few that he missed dearly.
A private funeral was held on August 10th at Assumption, the church that he so cherished. May God Bless him, and may his memory be eternal.
I am sorry to hear that George passed. I enjoyed his company. I know he was old, but it still makes me sad. Connie Galanopoulos