George Xenophone Pilavakis

George X Pilavakis was born on June 24, 1938 in Newark, NJ. His parents, Xenophone and Kaliopi, narrowly missed the direct effects of World War II in Greece. He grew up in a large family with his five siblings-Katina, Virginia, Emily, Mary Ann and Nicky. We lost the patriarch of our family on May 15, 2023 following a steady deterioration of health over the last few years. It wasn’t easy for him to slow down given the active life he lead. In his younger years he had gotten his pilot’s license and took the plunge and tried skydiving.

George is survived by his wife Maria, the love of his life since the age of 20, his daughters Carrie DiPerna and Catherine Treese, sons-in-law Dominic DiPerna and Ted Treese and his grandsons Nico Storm DiPerna, Rio Thunder DiPerna and Thomas George Treese. He was especially dedicated to his grandsons and was the best Papou in the world! He was a beloved uncle to Kathy, Stephanie, Jimmy, Johnny, Gail, Deanie and Maria. He also had a large extended family through St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. He was a friend to all he knew.

George took advantage of the opportunities that life in the 1950’s provided. He worked as a business owner in the automotive industry for 50 years in both NJ and Florida, where he moved his family in 1977. George gave as much or more than he received from his hard work over his lifetime. He was a man of action and generosity and single handedly founded the first bone marrow registry in Greece. On Sundays, he enjoyed taking all the kids for toys. He was a natural leader and a father figure to any child in need. In his more active years, he was always the life of the party. Anyone who knew George well could tell you there was never a meal he didn’t like or miss.

He is now in peace from the daily struggles of his failing health. Shortly before his death, he told his wife and daughters, in no uncertain terms, not to cry for him and to live life FOR him.

You will be alive forever in our hearts George, Daddy, Papou❤

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