George Spiro, 82, of Manchester died May 27, 2009 at his residence after a brief illness.
Born in Manchester on May 3, 1927, he was the son of Sotirios and Thomaida (Spiro) Papaspiro. He was a lifelong resident of Manchester.
He had an outstanding athletic career at Central High School including captain of the 1945 state champion basketball team, an all-state selection in basketball, and a two time all-state selection in football.
During World War II he served in the US Navy.
Along with his brother Nicholas, he founded the candy store Goldenrod Candy Kitchen, which later became Goldenrod Restaurant and Drive-In. They remained in business for 40 years.
Mr. Spiro was an active member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. He served on its board of directors and volunteered his time at Glendi and other church functions for many years. He was a member of the Albanian Society of Manchester.
IN HIS LIFE: Highly regarded as one of the finest athletes of his time, he was elected to the Queen City Athletic Hall of Fame. As a business owner, he touched the lives of many underprivileged youth who worked at Goldenrod through the years.
He was a devoted family man who was deeply loved. He had a warm smile and an infectious grin and laugh. He was one who never asked, but always gave and will be deeply missed.
The family includes his wife of 54 years, Beverly A. (Karagis) Spiro of Manchester; three children, Rebecca A. Spiro and Philip C. Spiro and his wife, Kimberly, all of Manchester, and Stephanie I. Patten and her husband, Michael, of Hooksett; seven grandchildren, Katharine Hinchey, Andrew Spiro, Meryl Boynton, Connor Spiro, Caroline Spiro, Elizabeth Patten and Anna Patten; a sister, Deta Hashem of Manchester and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a brother, Nicholas Spiro and a sister, Artemis Freeman.
The funeral was held Monday, June 1, 2009 at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 650 Hanover St., Manchester. Fr. Andrew Mahalares officiated. Committal prayers followed at Pine Grove Cemetery, Calef Rd., Manchester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the George Spiro Athletic Scholarship, c/o Alumni Scholarship Fund, Central High School, 207 Lowell St., Manchester, NH 03104