George I. Koundourakis

George I. Koundourakis , 78 years old, passed away December 16, 2022.
George was loved by his 2 children, 4 grandchildren, siblings, friends and family. He brought a smile to everyone he met.
Born in the village of Patima on the island of Crete, Greece. George served in the Greek National Army, Calvalry Division. As a young man he worked in Germany for 2 years to earn money to send back to his parents. In Germany he worked for a cement company that helped build the Mercedes and Porsche auto factories. In 1969 he immigrated to the United States. He found community with his sisters that moved to the U.S. before him as well as fellow Greeks that helped him assimilate to the American life. He started a family and began his lifelong career as a union rubber worker, building tires for General Tire Co. and Denman Tire Co. In 1979, he studied hard and became a U.S. citizen. He was a member of The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and the Pan Cretan Association of Akron. He loved going to Cretan dances in all different cities to meet other Cretans and listen to live Lyra music. He enjoyed the water and spending time with his neighbors, who he considered his extended family. He loved a good bonfire, roasting a lamb on an open spit and shooting his guns. After retiring, he enjoyed spending his time with his friends "The Tallmadge McDonald’s Coffee Crew". But mostly, he loved spending time with his grandchildren. Whether it was a Soccer match, Softball game, recital or swim meet, he was always there to watch them and cheer them on. He was a good Friend, Father and Grandfather (Papou) to all. He wasn't afraid to work with his hands, help out a friend or share his opinions.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Iosef and Zaharenia and brother, Stavros Koundourakis. George is survived by his Son, Stavros (Eleni) Koundourakis, Daughter, Zaharenia (Bill) Farmakidis;  grandchildren, Marianna and Thanos Farmakidis, Ioanna and Emmanuela Koundourakis; Siblings, Cleo Manos, Kostoula Pearson, Olympia (Niko) Pipilakis, Andreas (Anna) Koundourakis; Nieces and Nephews, John, Sophia, Jackie, Chrisoula, Nikki and Sifi; Great Nieces and Nephews, Spiro, Macki, Artemis and Alex; God Children, Erick Zoumberakis and Georgia Manulelis and many beloved Cousins.
Funeral Services will be 11:30 am, Thursday, December 22, 2022 at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 129 S. Union St., Akron with Rev. Fr. Dean Kokanos officiating. Interment will be at Rose Hill Burial Park, Fairlawn. Visitation will be 5-8 pm Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Akron, where Trisagion Services will be held at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church General Scholarship fund.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.