George Vasilakis, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on December 22, at his home in Andover, MA, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with metastatic prostate cancer. George was 76 years old.
George was born on January 30, 1947, in Chios, Greece to Spiros and Fofo Vasilakis. The youngest of four children, George often spoke of the simple pleasures of his childhood on the island of Chios. He loved reminiscing about the games they played, the delicious fruits and vegetables native to the island, and growing up with his siblings and friends.
After graduating high school at the top of his class, George immigrated to the United States at age 18 on a scholarship. George played college soccer and focused on his studies, all while working to put himself through school to become an engineer. He received his Bachelor of Engineering degree from The State University at Stony Brook, and his Master’s from Long Island University.
For 20 years, George was an engineer in New York, and eventually, Massachusetts. He went on to co-found Ergonomic Computer Solutions, a successful ergonomic consulting company that served many organizations, in a variety of fields. George enjoyed the challenge of entrepreneurship and had a constant thirst for knowledge. He truly loved meeting new people and helping them however he could. He made a lasting impression on so many, through his commitment to customers and forming true connections by listening to the people he met. Having his own business also allowed him the flexibility to design his schedule– he ensured that he was always available to his family and would attend every school event to support his children.
George was an active member in his church community in Andover, MA. He served on the Parish Council, co-chaired several of the church’s annual festivals, helped to renovate and improve Greek school classrooms, and was a committed and joyful volunteer in later years. While George loved and appreciated his adopted country, he also deeply loved his homeland and cultivated a strong sense of Greek identity, faith, and culture in his daughters.
George had a great love for nature and was happiest outside. He enjoyed being in the woods, at the beach, gardening, playing soccer with his nephews and grandchildren, and almost anything that allowed him to be outdoors. In recent years, one of George’s greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren. He cherished his role as “Pappouli,” and loved going on bike rides, playing board games, and watching the performances they put on for him. George was always happiest when surrounded by his family.
George is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Anna Vasilakis; his daughters Deanna Vasilakis and her husband Michael Pescatore of Andover, MA, and Victoria Vasilakis and her husband Cody Young of Chelmsford, MA; his grandchildren Alexander and Olivia Pescatore, and his siblings Chrisanthi Sitarenios (husband Kostas), Kostas Vasilakis, and Vivi Karanikolas (husband Panayiotis), of Chios, Greece. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
George will be remembered for his wholehearted devotion to his family, his deep faith, his intellectual curiosity, and his genuine love for others. His family is incredibly grateful to his medical team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and all the care and support they provided since his diagnosis, as well as the hospice team at Care Dimensions that made his final days at home more comfortable.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, December 26, from 12:00-1:00pm at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, located at 71 Chandler Road, Andover, MA. His Funeral Service will be at the church at 1:00pm. Interment to follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Andover. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in George’s memory be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, (or via dana-farber.org/gift) directed to the fund for Genitourinary Cancers; or to Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Andover. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.