George N. Katsakiores, 85, a lifelong resident of Derry, NH died Monday February 1, 2010 in the VA Medical Center, Manchester, NH. Mr. Katsakiores was born in Derry on December 11, 1924, son of the late Nicholas and Agareteo (Siatrevinis) Katsakiores. He was a 1942 graduate of Pinkerton Academy where he served as class president and valedictorian. He later graduated from UNH in Durham and Sanborn Seminary. Mr. Katsakiores was a US Army WWII veteran and a member of the VFW Post 1617 and the American Legion Post 9 both of Derry. He owned and operated White’s Lunch in Derry for 42 years.
Since 1983, he served the Town of Derry as a NH State Representative. He truly enjoyed serving in Concord with his fellow legislators. His civic service record was lengthy, including the Derry Budget Committee, Derry Town Republican Committee, Treasurer Rockingham County Executive Committee, Derry Development and Preservation Corp, Manchester Airport Task Force and the NH Highway and Transportation Users Coalition. Mr. Katsakiores had formerly served with the Alexander Eastman Board of Directors, Derry Boys and Girls Club Board, was an Executive for the United Way and a reporter for the Derry News.
He enjoyed gardening, was an avid reader and loved to spend time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Phyllis (Harrie) Katsakiores of Derry, one daughter, Karen Clark and her husband Jeff of Derry, five step-children, Charles Hemeon and his wife Cheryl of Danville, NH, Laurie Hemeon Albert of Derry, Debra Becker and her husband Steven of Derry, Sheila McMillan of Barre, VT and Glen Philbrook of St. Petersburg, FL, also many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Following cremation, calling hours were held Friday February 5, 2010 from 4 - 8pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Saturday at 10:00am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 26 Crystal Ave., Derry. Private burial with honors was in the NH State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the VAMC Senior Veterans Recreation, 718 Smyth Rd., Manchester, NH 03104.