George Armatas' Obituary
George Armatas, of Jamesville, NY passed away peacefully at home on November 2, 2013. He was born in Fterno Lefkada, Greece to Ilias and Eleni Armatas on April 23, 1921.
George was a member of St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, served on the Parish Council for many years and was past President. He was also a member of the Order of AHEPA.
George served as policeman in Greece until 1956. He then immigrated to the United States in 1956 at the invitation of his sister, Evangelia. In 1961, he married his wife, Joyce. He was co-owner of Automatic Laundry Company. George transitioned to the restaurant business, where he worked for more than 30 years. George was committed to his customers, friends and community as much as he was to his family. He served as the Food Chairman for St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival for 17 years. He received many honors over the years beginning in 1978 when he was recognized by his customers and friends with a surprise tribute “George Armatas: This is Your Life”. It was as they said for his “service and kindness”. In 1984, he was recognized for his many contributions as President of the Parish Council of St. Sophia’s. In 1987, he received the Order of AHEPA Community Service Award for unselfish devotion. In 1994, he was recognized by St. Sophia’s Community for his dedication and hard work for countless years of service as Chairman of many event and causes. And, in 2007, he was recognized by the Pan Macedonian Association for all he had done through the years. He also served as advisor for the youth of the church, GOYA for many years.
The family would like to thank Dr. James Telonis for the care he provided George over the years.
He was predeceased by his beloved son, George Andrew, and siblings, Evangelia, Georgia, Spiro and Vangeli. George is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joyce (Arvan), son, James of Fayetteville; daughter, Stephanie of Jamesville; two adoring grandsons, George and Gerry; two brothers, Andreas (Helen) of Syracuse and Niko (Tasoula) in Lefkada, Greece; sister-in-law, Ann Arvan and brother-in-law, Dino (Ann) Arvan; several nieces, nephews and cousins here in the Unites States, Greece and Argentina. He was loved by who knew him for being a kind, generous man.
A funeral service in celebration of George's life will be conducted at 11 am on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4-7 pm, with Trysagion service at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd., (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY 13212.
Donations may be made to the George Andrew Armatas Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Road, Dewitt, NY 13214.
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