George Kentros, 86, of Worcester died, Tuesday, December 17th in UMass-Memorial Hospital, with his loving family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ollga (Skokota) Kentros; two daughters, Afroditi Gjini and her husband, Ilia and Eli Xhai and her husband, Filip both of Worcester; a brother, Peter Kentros of Huntington, NY; four grandchildren, Vasili and his wife, Katina Gjini and George and his wife, Erica Gjini and Ira and Kosta Xhai. He was predeceased by his brother Dimo.
He was born in Dhuvjani, Gjirokaster, Albania the son of Andoni and Afroditi ((Tsitsos) Kentros; he was a distinguished accountant for the local federal accounting firm; and a member of the local soccer team where he had played for five years. His work ethic and volunteerism was known throughout his years, from early childhood until his late seventies. In 1991 he immigrated to New York, and then to Worcester to stay with his cousin Evanthia “Eva” Koutoulas in 1995. He was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, where he volunteered at the Greek Festival and in the church psalms and readings; a member of its Senior’s Group and enjoyed spending time with his friends at the AHEPA. George was a humble, hardworking individual with strong family values and ties, and was looked up to by family and close friends. He was a loving husband and devoted father, grandfather and a good friend. Mr. Kentros will be remembered as a kind man, who lived life with a gentle sweetness; and will be missed by all who knew him.
His funeral is Friday, December 20th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a service at 11:00 a.m. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday, December 19th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Please make memorial contributions to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609.