George Loizides, 83, beloved owner of George's Greek Cafe, passed away at home on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 after a long battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by his immediate family. George was a loving and faithful husband of 55 years to Rodoulla Loizides, and father to his three children, Demetrios (Jimmy), Euripides (Rip) and Nicky. He was also the grandfather to his five beautiful grandchildren, Lauren, Dori, Georgia (Gia), George, and Marshall.

Born February 22, 1936, to Euripides and Polyxeni Loizides of Kathikas, Cyprus, George was the youngest of eight siblings. As a young man at the age of 17, George moved to Botswana, Africa to follow his older brothers who had left Cyprus earlier for new adventures. He would travel back and forth to Cyprus to visit his family and that's where he met the love of his life, Rodoulla. They were married in Bulawayo, Rhodesia on May 17, 1964, where they built a beautiful life and had their three children. He had a knack at acclimating to any situation he was put in. Some of the wonderful memories from his many years living there included opening up a general store in the local village, teaching in the local schools, and learning over seven different African languages.

Due to the civil unrest occurring in Africa during the late 1970s, George had to gather his family and flee the country with only $500 and the clothes on their backs. With the help of Rodoulla's sister, Lambria, the owner of AnchorLiquor, Nick Papadakis, and then State Senator George Deukmejian, George brought his family to Long Beach, California and began his first job the day he arrived on June 16, 1980, at Anchor Liquor on Pacific Coast Highway and Santa Fe Avenue. He worked the graveyard shift to support his family. He remained at Anchor Liquor for several years until he got an opportunity to work at S&J Imports as a deli clerk. Finally being able to make his dream a reality, in December 1999, the infamous George's Greek Cafe opened in downtown Long Beach. He worked tirelessly alongside his family, embracing life and filled with enthusiasm. His smile was infectious, lighting up the whole room, and his hugs made you feel like you were being welcomed home. With his open arms, George created a legacy that will live on in each and every one of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Heaven has received another angel. He will be missed by his family and the community at large.

Trisagion will be Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 7pm. Funeral service will be Monday, October 28, 2019 at 11am. Both services will be held at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Long Beach, California. Interment to follow at Westminster Memorial Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

______________________________

Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

AmericanObituary.com is a Baywalk Marketing service.

facebook.com/AmericanObituary - twitter.com/AmericaObituary