George Varentges was born on February 24, 1931 in Morgantown, West Virginia. He was the only child of John and Kalliope Varentges. His father was the owner of a grocery store where George often worked as a young boy. His parents immigrated to the United States from the island of Chios. When he was only twelve years old, his father passed away suddenly. Needless to say, this was very traumatic but with God's help, George and his mother survived this tragedy. Let it be known, that they were devout Orthodox Christians and attended their beloved Agia Markela church regularly. George often worked in the family grocery store at the early age of twelve so when the family came to the decision to sell the store, it was very difficult.

After graduating Morgantown High School in 1950, George developed a passion for automobiles and was given an opportunity to work at a Pontiac dealership where he stayed for seven years. While there, he became the youngest manager in the Pittsburgh zone which covered four states. He also received many awards and recognition for his hard work.

George had an uncle in California so in 1957 he decide to move out west. He packed up his car with his mother by his side and began their new journey. They finally settled in the Hollywood area. As for a job, through the recommendations of his previous employer, he was immediately offered a job at Pontiac. George then got another job working for Oldsmobile where he stayed for eleven years enjoying his work as the parts manager. In August 1969, he began working for the city of Los Angeles and retired thirty years later as a purchasing agent for truck equipment. During his employment he received a number of awards from the city council for his outstanding work and for saving the city thousands of dollars.

In 1964, an engagement party was being held at the home of George's good friend, Ernie Gekas. Another attendee was Helen Leousis. Needless to say, when George met Helen he realized this was the girl of his dreams. Within a year they were married at Saint Sophia Cathedral on October 10, 1965. In 1968, their lives became even more beautiful when their oldest daughter Maria was born. Kalliope (Kalli) followed in 1972. Other joyous occasions include Maria's marriage to Alfred Placencio in 1998 and finally, the apple of their eyes, Sophia Demetra Placencio arrived in 2000. During their fifty-five years of marriage they were blessed with numerous other pleasurable events that included having an abundance of good friends along with having given service to their church and community.

George and Helen have been active members of Saint Sophia Cathedral for almost sixty years and have faithfully supported their church in any way they could. George has worked on the church's election committees, worked in the narthex for many years, performed numerous assignments, worked at picnics and festivals and never refused to assist where needed. So much so, in 2004 he was honored for his volunteer services at Saint Sophia Cathedral. He has also performed voluntary services to the city of Burbank where he and Helen have been residents for sixty years. These services include working on the election committee at the polls and volunteered at John Burroughs High School in the automotive class where he shared his over fifty years of experiences working with automobiles with students.

When you first met George there were a few things he made sure you knew about him; he was a very proud Greek, proud father and papou. He never missed an event for his girls. He attended every dance recital, cheer competition, Sunday school program or Greek school play. George enjoyed spending his time collecting valuable coins, gardening and traveling.

George is survived by his loving wife Helen, his daughter Maria (Alfred) Placencio, his daughter Kalli and granddaughter Sophia. George was an incredible man and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. He will always be in our hearts and our lives will not be the same without him.

Trisagion service will be held at Saint Sophia Cathedral on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 7pm. Funeral service will be held at Saint Sophia Cathedral on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 10:30am, burial to follow at 12:30pm at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles CA 90068.

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

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

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