George E. PAPADAKIS

PAPADAKIS, George E. Oct. 24, 1927-Dec. 18, 2012 George passed peacefully at age 85. Born October 24th, 1927 in Ashland, Wisconsin to Chresanthe and Mike Papadakis. The only Greek son with four sisters and a dog Poochie. His love of basketball took him to the state championships with Ashland High School in 1945. The navy brought him to California in 1945. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Business and Economics. In 1955 he took a position with the Torrance School District as a teacher and taught for 27 years. He became the Principal of Seaside Elementary and loved his years working with children. George was active in Signal Hill politics where he made his home of 40 years. He worked on the planning commission and as a councilman and mayor. He also got his contractor's license and built homes and apartment buildings in the city. He was a member of the Long Beach Greek Church and enjoyed being a youth basketball coach. In 1955 he married his wife of 57 years, Colleen. They had three children, Lisa, Cristina and Michael. He took great pride in his grandsons George and Eli and loved his son-in-law Falanai and daughter-in-law Janel. He is survived by his beloved sister Helen Beecher and many nieces and nephews. A maverick and inspiration, a kind and generous person, his ever present cigar. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of his special company. A memorial will be held Friday, December 28th, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn in the Cathedral Chapel. 4725 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach, 90807. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 29th, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Long Beach Assumption Church. 5761 E. Colorado Street, Long Beach, 90814. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "Building Fund" at the church.