George C. Kotsaftis obituary

#MiddleburyCT #Obituary

Loving father, grandfather & brother

George C. Kotsaftis, 84, of Middlebury passed away peacefully into the arms of God, surrounded by his loving family on July 23, 2024.

Born on February 8, 1940, in Lapata, Greece, George was the beloved son of the late Constantine and Katerina Kotsaftis. Growing up in a close-knit family as one of five children, George’s early years were filled with the traditions and culture of his homeland, which he cherished deeply throughout his life.

In search of a brighter future, George, alongside his family, made the decision to immigrate to the United States, arriving on Thanksgiving Day in 1955. Settling in Waterbury, George quickly adapted to his new environment, driven by the dream of creating better opportunities for himself and his future family. His dedication and resilience were evident as he navigated the challenges of a new country, always holding onto the values and work ethic instilled in him by his roots.

Embodying the spirit of the American dream, in the late 1960s George opened J’s Pizza in Danbury and Newtown Pizza Palace. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there; in 1989, he established the iconic Old Towne Restaurant in Trumbull. Through his hard work and warm personality, George became a beloved businessman in the community, known for his commitment to excellent service and his genuine care for his customers.

In the 1960s, George’s pride and joy was his Cadillac and Bonneville convertible. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends, but most of all spending time in Florida with his family and friends. His warm and charismatic personality left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Outside of these endeavors, George was an active member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Waterbury, where he was a devoted parishioner, past president of the Parish Council, as well as a proud member of the AHEPA Chapter 48.

George was predeceased by his beloved wife, Barbara Kotsaftis, who passed away in 1992. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving children, Dean George Kotsaftis and his wife, Virginia, of Middlebury, with whom he lived and Catherine Rountos and her husband, Steven, of New Milford; his grandchildren, whom he adored and was so proud of, George Kotsaftis and Barbara Kotsaftis of Middlebury as well as Bobbie Rountos and Evan Rountos of New Milford. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Georgia Vithoulkas; his beloved siblings, Akrivi Kotsaftis of Waterbury, Marylou Poulos and her husband, Angelo, of New York, and Chris and his wife Joyce Kotsaftis of Wolcott; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Andrew and Soula Kotsaftis.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 27, at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 937 Chase Parkway in Waterbury. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow at New Pine Grove Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday, July 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home at 430 Chase Parkway in Waterbury. A Trisagion Service will be held Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home followed by the AHEPA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in George’s memory to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 937 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708.