George Peter Balitsaris

BALITSARIS, JUDGE GEORGE PETER - age 87, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2011. A loving husband, father and grandfather, George was the fifth child born to the late Mr. & Mrs. Peter Balitsaris in Pittsburg, PA and was of the Greek Orthodox faith. He graduated from Allegheny High School in 1942 and was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was selected to the high school all-city football and basketball teams. He entered the University of Tennessee (UT) in 1942 on a full football scholarship. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. While at UT, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, was called to active duty in 1943, and served until 1946. He returned to UT and lettered in football under General Neyland in 1946, 1947, and 1948, playing on the first UT team to go to a bowl game after WW II. While at UT, he was elected President of the Men's T Club for two terms, and was instrumental in opening up membership to lettermen of all sports, rather than just the three major sports. After graduating from UT in 1948, he entered UT Law School and served as a Graduate Assistant Coach under General Neyland in 1948, 1949, and 1950. He received his Dr. of Jurist Prudence in 1950, passed the bar exam, and began private practice in Knoxville. During this time, George felt fortunate to have shared offices and developed a strong friendship with Attorney Joe Nigro until Mr. Nigro left his practice to become Judge of Criminal Court, Division I. In 1976, George was also elected to be Judge of the newly created Criminal Court, Division III, where he served until his retirement in September of 1990. During his retirement, he enjoyed reading, photography, gourmet cooking, and following UT sports, particularly football and basketball. When people found out he didn't attend games during retirement and asked him why, he would reply "there were games I didn't want to attend when I was playing, but General Neyland made me, anyway." Preceded in death by parents, Peter and Theresa Balitsaris; daughter Anastacia Balitsaris; brothers Mike Balitsaris, Arthur Balitsaris; sisters, Irene Kahn, Tessie Hulz, Helen Kirk, Sadie Balitsaris and nephew John B. "Beau" Balitsaris. Survived by loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Julianne S. Balitsaris; daughters Theresa Moore and husband Michael, Amy Melendy and husband David; grandchildren Julie Barnhart, David Melendy Jr. and wife Diana, and Justin Melendy; great grandchildren Julian Melendy and Isabella Ellis; sister-in-law Kathryn Roth and husband Ray Roth of Pittsburgh, PA. Nephews Peter (Mickey) Balitsaris (JoAnn), Paul Balitsaris,(Sally) and Matt Balitsaris (Margaret). Nieces, Diane Balitsaris Shobe (Ed) and Claire Balitsaris Wray (Stuart). The family would like to thank all of the special caregivers, and a special thank you to the staff of Baptist Healthcare Center in Lenoir City. Family and friends will gather on Tuesday at 2:45 pm at the entrance to Highland Memorial Cemetery for a 3:00 pm graveside service. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com