George Kyriakidis, age 82, passed away on March 9 ^th , 2020 in New Bedford, MA. Born in Sokhumi, Georgia on June 12 ^th , 1937, his parents migrated as Anatolian/Pontian Greek refugees to Sfendami, Greece when he was 2 years old. He was predeceased by his parents, Ioannis and Despina, and by his five siblings, Konstantinos, Nikolaos, Lazaros, Haralambos, and Anna.

George experienced World War II and Greece's Civil War thus, learning the value of life at an early age. After serving in the Greek army, he married Joanna Pisiotis on February 19 ^th , 1961. Driven by a desire to seek better opportunities and escape poverty, George immigrated to the United States with his wife and children on December 26 ^th , 1965. He became a United States citizen and worked hard to achieve a better future for his family in Boston, MA. George started his career in his new country as a bus boy but quickly moved up to top chef at Anthony's Pier 4. Following his years at Anthony's Pier 4, he transitioned to becoming a hotel chef at a Holiday Inn and eventually owned multiple businesses in the Greater Boston area including Libby's Restaurant, Arnold's Restaurant, and Four Corners Pizza. In 1979, he settled in New Bedford opening New Bedford House of Pizza where he worked until retirement. George was one of the founders and supporters of Panagia Soumela of Boston. He was also a devout and active member of St. George Orthodox Church in Dartmouth, MA. He enjoyed traveling to his home country of Greece, discussing Greek politics, playing cards with his friends, spending holidays with his family, singing, dancing Greek (specifically Pontiaka), reading his favorite Greek-American newspaper, the National Herald, and spoiling his grandchildren. He was always willing to help his family, friends, and even strangers in need. George would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. He had a vivacious personality making him the life of every party. George was the patriarch of the Kyriakidis family and instilled not only strong work ethics in his progeny but a love for family, faith, and culture.

George is survived by his wife, Joanna, his children, John (Poppie), Sophia (Dave), Marina (Dave), his grandchildren, Joanna (Christopher), John, Georgea (John), Dimetra, Korina, Georgia, and his great-granddaughters, Katerina, Kalliope, and Kleoniki. Pappou, as he was called by his immediate family and NBHOP family, will be greatly missed. May his memory be eternal.

A funeral will be held in Sfendami, Greece honoring Pappou's last wishes. A 40-day celebration of life will follow in New Bedford, MA. Details of this event are forthcoming.