George Galoozis Obituary

George Galoozis left us peacefully on December 21, 2024, with his loving family by his side. George was 93 years young.
George was born on July 2,1931, in Piraeus, Greece, to Theofilos and Maria Galoozis (Ypsilantis). Since his father had previously obtained American citizenship, George was born an American citizen which allowed them to emigrate to the United States in 1937 at a time when immigration from Southern Europe was virtually non-existent. The family settled in Gary, Indiana and would expand to include 4 brothers (Manuel, Tony, Jack & Mike) and a sister (Kathy).
George was required to work at an early age to help his father put food on the table – including shining shoes on the street corner or later working in a Coney Island hot dog shop. Despite what we now would consider "trying times," George was fond of his youth and often reminisced of life's simplicity back then.
George served his country during the Korean War and planned to attend college upon his discharge at Indiana University. Unfortunately, George's father passed away shortly after his discharge leaving him the sole provider for his mother and 5 siblings who were between 7-10 years his junior. Undaunted, George instead enrolled at DePaul University, boarding a train for Chicago each morning to attend day classes till noon, working in an accounting firm in the early afternoon and returning to Gary in time to work the 4 pm to 12 am shift at US Steel. Again, while shouldering this level of responsibility would faze most young men of his age, George not only succeeded in obtaining his Accounting degree but he took pride that his mother and siblings were also cared for.
Following stints as an accountant for several firms in Chicago and Northwest Indiana, George eventually took a position as financial controller for the Kent Company (formally Keltec), a manufacturer of industrial floor maintenance equipment located in Elkhart, Indiana and a subsidiary of the Swedish conglomerate Electrolux. Eventually, George was appointed President of the Kent Company, the first American to assume that role. Under George's leadership, the Company grew significantly, often outperforming other operations within Electrolux's international holdings. George was also appointed as a management trustee to the International Association of Machinist International Pension Fund, a position which he kept for years after his retirement.
Humble to a fault, George never bragged or spoke too often of his position or his professional successes. However, as was typical, his greatest joy was hearing his mother proudly boast in Greek that her son was "the President."
Although a proud American, George never shied away from boasting about not only his Greek but Kalymnian heritage. In Gary, George was a member of the Kalymnian Society and after moving to Tarpon Springs, George could often be seen attending events at the Kalymnian House.
George was a man of deep faith and a devout Orthodox Christian. The Church played a vital role in his life and George served in leadership roles at both the Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Gary, Indiana and St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church in South Bend, Indiana. After retiring to Florida, George could be seen virtually every Sunday attending services at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs while his wife Sevasti sang in the Choir.
What really defined George, however, was how he acted in private away from the public eye. Often, in quiet times when he believed he was alone, if you listened closely you could hear George quietly praying for his family and also for others in their time of need or crisis. To George, public displays were fake – humility was the greatest virtue.
Beyond all, George was a devoted family man. In 1961, George married Sevasti Smolios, who would be his partner and love of his life for the next 63 years. George would often remark that he married the most beautiful woman in the world and was so lucky to have her. Together they raised 3 children in a loving and caring environment. George was incredibly proud that his family have remained extremely close through good times and bad.
George is survived by his wife Sevasti and his children: Theofilos and his wife Alexis; Fontaine and her husband Peter (Stellas) and youngest son Mike. Their "Dad" and "Pop" will always be a part of them and they will cherish his memory forever. Without him, there is no us.
George is also survived by 6 grandchildren and one great-grandchild: George (Maria-Elena) Stellas, Allie (Frank) Lumpkin, Sydney Galoozis, Stephanie (Paul Comet) Stellas, Peter Stellas, Mary Katherine (Evan) Tangalos and great-grand daughter Alessia Lumpkin. Each held a special place in his heart. His grandkids loved him deeply and could always count on their "Papou" or "Big Papou." The sound of his laughter will forever fill their hearts. They will remember his stories, wisdom, wit, and signature crooner songs. They will never forget singing along with him: "That's Amore. That's Amore."
George's lessons to his family were enduring: Never second guess yourself, be firm in your principles, and always be positive. In fact, whenever asked how he was doing, he would respond "terrific!" with a big grin.
Services will take place on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, with a viewing beginning at 10 am and the funeral immediately following at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in George's memory to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriners Children's Hospital or the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society.