George P. Gianakas February 4, 1938 – August 19, 2026
Services for George “Happy George” will take place on Monday, August 24th at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 11025 South Roberts Road, Palos Hills, Illinois 60465. Visitation will be from 10:30AM-12:00PM. Funeral Service will begin promptly at 12:00PM and immediately after visitation. George will be laid to rest at Bethania Cemetery in Justice, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the Gianakas family kindly asks that memorial donations be made directly to the family.
For information please call or text Michael Orrico @ 815/260-0668
George P. Gianakas, also known as Happy George, “ΠΕΤΑ” age 88 ½, of Palos Hills, IL and Loukas, Arcadia, Greece passed away on August 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband of 58 years to Vasiliki (Bessie). Adoring father to Antigone (Fred) Campobasso, Argentene (George) Hrysikos, Alexia (Spero) Malamis, and Peter. Proud Papou of Yiorgos A., Eirene, Nikolas, Andrew, Gabriella, Panayiotis, Vasili, Alexi, Yiorgos, Thano, and Niko. Preceded in death by his parents, Panayiotis and Antigone Giannakakis. Beloved son-in-law of the late Kostantinos and late Argento Tsekouras. Loving brother of the late Steven (Matina) Gianakas, late Peter (Toula) Gianakas, Vasso (late Efthemios) Bouris, Pat (John) Malfas, late Fotini (late Panos) Pappas, Barbara (Christ) Roupas, James (late Fotini) Giannakas, late Emmanuel (late Zaharoula) Giannakakis, Stella (Elias) Kostouros, and Voula Stoots. Cherished brother-in-law to late Alexandros (late Katerina) Tsekouras, Maria (late Theodoros) Sellis, and late Ioanna (late Giorgios) Kapsimalis. Cousin, Uncle and best friend to many.
“Happy George” was a successful small business owner, loyal friend, and man of deep faith, and he lived a life defined by an amazing work ethic, good humor, a gregarious personality and an unwavering love for his family and friends.
George was the beloved husband of Bessie, the love of his life, whom he married in Tripoli, Greece before emigrating to the United States to start their family. Their love story spanned six decades and was the foundation of a beautiful life built on friendship, devotion, and family. Together they created a home that was always open to all, filled with love, laughter, and countless memories that will be cherished forever.
More than anything else, George was a family man. He was a proud and devoted father whose greatest joy came from seeing his children establish their own families and become successful in their careers. George was a storyteller and jokester, sharing stories with his children, grandchildren and friends, often resulting in smiles and laughter. George believed life’s greatest treasures were the memories created with the people he loved most. His family was the center of his world, and he made each person feel deeply loved, supported, and valued.
George was also a handyman, often building and fixing things around the house, oftentimes providing unsolicited repairs for his children at their homes. He was always busy, gardening, playing cards, and solving wordfinder puzzles. His favorite pastime was having coffee at McDonalds with his friends. He also loved Greek movies, assembling a sizeable library of videos.
A proud Greek Orthodox Christian, George’s faith was a guiding force throughout his life. He loved his church, valued his faith deeply, and lived according to principles of kindness, generosity, humility, and service to others.
George possessed a truly rare gift: he made everyone around him feel special. He was endlessly funny and larger than life in every sense. His quick wit, infectious laugh, and magnetic personality could light up any room he entered. There was simply no one else like him. Friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers were drawn to his warmth and authenticity. He was one of one. May His Memory be Eternal! All arrangements entrusted to Orrico Kourelis Funeral Services Inc.