George Panidis, 94, passed away in his daughter's home in Franklin MA, Tuesday May 17th, 2022. He was a beloved husband for 65 years of Penelope (Zisopoulou), father, grandfather and great grandfather and passed quietly surrounded by loved ones.
He was one of eight children and is survived by two sisters in Greece, Froso Apostolithou and Eleni Panidou.
He was active in his St George Orthodox church for over 30 years, on the board and as treasurer. His parents were Anestis Panidis and Anna Panidis (Terzithou).
Born in Georgiani Imathias, Greece, immigrated to the United States in 1971, with his wife Penelope and their two children, Areti and Anestis, where they finally settled in Lowell MA, USA.
George and Penelope’s dream of moving to America with their children for a better future was realized in having built a home, an extended family, and here are their words…
Granddaughter Penelope,
His laughter, never loud, but a strong chuckle as he made quips I never quite understood.
He gifted me intelligence, sarcasm and a quick tongue. A love for music and dancing, and a pride for a culture I did not need to be in the country or origin to appreciate. Respect, honor and family above all else.
Chicken wings, always ready on the grill for when I arrived, in a seasoning I will never know but never forget. Food brings us together and brings us health.
Giasou Agapimene Mou Papou! Me Agapi, to numero ena sou (second to yiayia).
Grandson Charles,
Papou with his komboloi,
his leather jacket,
playing his lyra.
I will always remember
Papou's slippers by the door.
My grandfather was a truly kind and gentle soul. Patient, humble and hard-working, he taught me by shining example how to be a positive force in the world. He possessed real integrity: his actions spoke his truth, and he was always respectful of others. A keen observer of life, he accepted things as they came, while honoring all of his commitments and exercising impeccable personal discipline.
His home was filled with warmth and comfort. I have so many memories of hours spent helping him in his workshop, while he worked so calmly and methodically. He’d assign me a task, and regardless of how helpful I actually was, I was made to feel empowered and appreciated. The older I get, the more amazed I am at the gift of his guidance that I was so fortunate to receive.
Granddaughter Anastasia,
My first memory of my Papou was our routine trips to Wendy’s (no pickles on my cheeseburger Papou!). He would drum on his full belly after we ate, jokingly saying “Tambouro tambouro!”
To this day I drum my belly after meals and think of my Grandfather’s laughter. I want to carry that joy throughout my life as his playfulness and love is one of the greatest gifts of mine. I love you Papou and was blessed to be your “korítsi mou”.
Grandson Nicholas George,
Papou I love you, will miss you and remember you always. May God be with You and You with God Gia Panta (forever).
Daughter Areti,
‘Aretoula mou’ that’s what my father used to call me throughout our lives.
He was a beautiful soul, always smiling, joking and sharing the countless proverbs he knew in Greek and in Pontiaka. So many beautiful memories…
He used to get up at 4am to make me greek coffee when I was studying for finals.
Always said that my mother was the best cook, but I was getting there.
He taught Clara, who helped me take care of them in the last few years, to make the
best ‘fasoulakia’, his favorite meal and he loved Clara like a granddaughter.
He was the master at preparing the lamb for greek easter and started the morning with some ouzo while roasting the lamb.
He loved and lived for his family, which grew to include four grandchildren and a great granddaughter.
His love for my mother!
His love for his church!
He will truly be missed by all of us.
Son in law Vernon,
Our first meeting was an exciting lesson to be remembered: with hammer-in-hand to protect his daughter from the XENO(non-Greek), I knew I had the right girl in Areti. I quickly became “Armenaki” in his household and he quickly became “dad” to me.
I have many fond memories of Dad…...I was blessed to be his tavli partner, and spent countless hours over the years learning to love the game and him.
Dad was an easy man to be with, always enjoying life to its fullest.
God bless you Dad -
Daughter in law Silvia,
I will always remember his smile, the same smile I saw when I met him the first time in the Italian Alps.
Son Anestis,
I will always remember his Pontian legacy, music and dancing, which connected me to his deepest commitment and love for his family, and respect he showed through his actions to all people in the community and church. Giasou Agapimene Mou Patera!
His wake is at 10:00 am followed by a funeral service at 11am on Saturday May 21st, 2022, in the Church of St George Greek Orthodox Church 44 Princeton Blvd. Lowell MA, burial following at Union Street Cemetery in Franklin MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given or sent to St, George Orthodox Church 44 Princeton Blvd. Lowell MA in memory of George Panidis. Alternatively, please send donations to a favorite charity in his name.
The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the Panidis family. Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com