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George Basilios
Gatsinaris
May 21, 1936 – June 4, 2024
George Gatsinaris peacefully passed away in his hometown of Cerritos, California, at the age of 88 years old. George was born in Lamia, Greece, and the youngest of 7 siblings. While growing up in Greece he would help his father tend sheep paying close attention to his studies and would read books as much as possible. He excelled in mathematics and scored top of his classes. When he was 18 years old, he had an uncle who asked him if he wanted to come to America and he took that opportunity. After his father sold 300 sheep to pay for the ticket, he jumped on the ship that would change the course of his life. He studied mathematics at the University of Akron, Ohio, and was an All-American soccer player who eventually was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000. He later moved to Southern California and met the love of his life, Evanthia. They were married in 1971 and raised three children. He had a long and prosperous career at TRW spanning 33 years. While at TRW, he was not only famous for his work ethic but also beach volleyball, his second "professional" sports career. He won several pro-amateur tournaments and was even featured in the Los Angeles Times newspaper, "George Gatsinaris and the TRW lunch bunch". He retired in 2000 where he focused his remaining time with his family. He traveled back to Greece several times where his presence drew the whole family together. He was proud to travel with his children and grandchildren creating lifelong memories.
George was a loving father and devoted husband. He is survived by his wife Evanthia Gatsinaris, his brother Thomas Gatsinaris (Nitsa), his children Vasili Gatsinaris (Sara), Stavroula "Stefanie" Gatsinaris and Elleni Glekas (George). He also has six grandchildren, George Gatsinaris (17), Luca Gatsinaris (14), Peter Glekas (17), Niko Glekas (16), George Glekas (14) and Evanthia Glekas (14). He also loved his nieces and nephews both in Greece and in America.
The Trisagion and funeral will be held at Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church (405 N. Dale Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801) on Saturday, June 8th, 2024, at 10:00am followed by a makaria at the hall, finishing with the burial at Serbian United Benevolent Society Cemetery (4355 E. Second Street, Los Angeles, CA 90022).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church.
Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Mary Harmon, owner. Toll free (855) 628-0447.
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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfunerals.com .
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Saint John Greek Orthodox Church
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