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George Berris Obituary
George John Berris
Resident of San Jose
1945 - 2010
Beloved father and respected attorney George John Berris fell asleep in the Lord on December 24 with loving family-sons, John and Dan Berris; daughter-in-law, Ellie Gholami; sisters and cousin-by his side. He was 65 years old.
George was born in Pittsburgh, Penn. in 1945 to the Rev. John Berris and Presbytera Angela Berris. He spent his childhood in Steubenville, Ohio and Jacksonville, Fla. After he moved with his family to Salt Lake City, Utah, George graduated from East High School. He then attended Holy Cross Seminary in Brookline, Mass. George returned to Utah, earning his law degree in 1969 from the University of Utah College of Law. After moving to California and being admit-ted to the California State Bar in 1971, he started his legal practice in San Jose. Over his career, he earned a reputation as an intelligent and honest attorney who scrupulously honored the values of the profession while serving the interests of his clients. George gave generously of his many talents and balanced his career with a life of community service. For many years, he served on the Board of Directors of Trinity Youth Services and was active in the Hellenic Law Society of Northern California.
Above all else, George was a family man. He was blessed with two sons, John and Dan, whom he considered to be his greatest accomplishments. He was so proud to see his sons work hard and succeed as young professionals. George was a patient caretaker for his mother, Presby-tera Angela Berris and a devoted brother to his four sisters, Maria Berris, Elaine Spanos, Joanne Pagonis, and Anna Gomez. He was known to many as Theo George, and is lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Without fail, he was at birthdays, graduations, weddings, and baptisms, celebrating with his family and sharing his feisty sense of humor. He was predeceased by his father, the Rev. John George Berris.
A Trisagion (wake) will be held at 7pm on Tuesday, December 28 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1260 Davis St., San Jose. The funeral is scheduled for 11am on Wednesday, December 29, also at St. Nicholas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (986 Chapman St., San Jose, CA 95126) or Trinity Youth Services (P.O. Box 848, Colton, CA 92324).
May his memory be eternal.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Berris
Chris Berris
January 4, 2011
We are deeply saddened to hear of George’s passing. All of us thoroughly enjoyed spending time with George during his visits to Connecticut. Our sincere condolences go out to the entire Berris family during these difficult times.
Barbara & Peter Nickles
January 3, 2011
George was our son Michael's Godfather. Michael (1973-2002) has surely welcomed George into the arms of God with all his heart. George was a good man, a wonderful man, and the world is a sorrier place without him.
catherine sprague
January 3, 2011
Iam so sorry to hear of George's passing.
He gave me my first legal secretarial job right out of school and taught me much that has served me well over the years. He will be missed.
Newton -|-
December 31, 2010
To the Berris family, sorry for your loss, may GOD give you his LOVE, PEACE, and STRENGTH in this time of sorrow. He is with GOD now resting in Heaven. -|-
Mary (Evangelinos) McEhlhaney
December 29, 2010
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season. Those of us who grew up with George in Steubenville will keep him and you in our prayers. May his memory be eternal.
Gregory de la Pena
December 29, 2010
I met George proffessionally, but got to know him personally in representing a mutual client. I had the utmost repsect for him, both proffessionally and personally. His integrety was second to none. My heart goes out to his family during these holidays. I will always remember him for the good person he was. Gregory R. de la Pena, San Francisco, Ca.
Nick Pagonis
December 29, 2010
Theo George,
We will always miss you, but more than anything you will always be remembered for the Great Man that you were. You raised and influenced two great sons and numerous others. You made other people better. The worth of a man is not measured by fame and fortune, it is measured by the love and compassion that you spread to others and how others remember you. You made many people better by being there for them.
Please say hi to Pappou in Heaven and tell him that we love him.
Love,
Nick J. Pagonis
December 29, 2010
may his memory be eternal,george was a good friend ,i was a youngster at church when the family came to san jose ,my heart goes out to the berris family ,what a terrible loss.he will be greatly missed ,he is with father john ,and the rest of them up in heaven ...(.Tim Kouretas and the Kouretas )
Stella Evangelinos Parikakis
December 28, 2010
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season. Those of us who grew up with George in Steubenville will keep him and you in our prayers.
gary mendel
December 28, 2010
one of my favorite humans ,i will miss him and that dry humor .
Elaine and George Spanos
December 28, 2010
George is a good soul who in life stood by his immediate and extended family. He enjoyed their company as they enjoyed his. He will be greatly missed. George was a family man who was present in good times and in difficult ones. He attended virtually every family birthday party over many years, and that includes the parties for his own sons, John and Dan, as well as his ten nieces and nephews. Not an easy thing to do, but it reflected his love of family. He was a devoted son to both his parents. He was his father’s closest confidant, and was by his side when he passed on. As his mother’s Alzheimer’s disease progressed, he was also there to comfort her. May God grant him peace and joy in being reunited with family and friends, those who he loved and loved him, and who have gone before and will come hereafter.
just flowers
December 28, 2010
deepest condolences to the family
from justflowers.com
Amalia & Nick Masters
December 28, 2010
Based on his obituary, his memory WILL be eternal. Our love and prayers are with his family during this time. We know the Lord holds us in his arms during these moments. George was a wonderful man and he will be missed by all.
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