George C. Dollas

DOLLAS, George C. 90, died Friday, July 3, at the Masconomet Healthcare Center in Topsfield. Mr. Dollas was born in Indiana Harbor, Indiana, on April 8, 1919, the son of the late Chris and Dorothea (Philipidou), who had immigrated from Greece to settle in northwest Indiana, where his father ran a clothing store for several years before moving to Chicago. After his father died in 1929, his mother, sister Fofo, and he moved to Greece to escape the dangerous environment of gangland Chicago. While in Greece, Mr. Dollas attended Anatolia High School in Thessalonica, graduating in 1937. After Germany's invasion throughout Europe threatened Greece, his mother and sister returned to the U.S., but not before George had to be smuggled out of the country at age eighteen in order to escape the Greek military draft despite being an American citizen. Settling in Boston, he attended Suffolk Law School for a year. Soon after he married Mary (Karthas) Dollas on September 28, 1941, whom he had met in the church choir at the Boston Cathedral. With the U.S. involvement in WWII, he enlisted in the army in 1942, though he never was sent into combat action. However, during the Korean War, his unit was recalled and he was sent to Korea to serve in the 57th Field Artillary Battalion. He was honorably discharged November 12, 1952, at the rank of staff sergeant. He returned to his home in Newburyport where he tried to restart his linen service business. When that business fell through, he and his family, now including two children, Chris and Dorothea, moved to East Chicago, Indiana, near his birthplace, living there from 1953-1963. The year before moving back to Massachusetts, the twins, Anna Maria and Fontaine, were born in Chicago. To him they became affectionately known as the Chicago Cubs. George Dollas continued to be self-employed in linen and produce businesses, as he moved from Worcester, to Salisbury, to Framingham, to Weston, and eventually to Newbury. He finally retired at the age of eighty. He also was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, the American Legion, Elks, St. Mark's Masonic Lodge, VFW, Lions Club, and the AHEPA. He especially was a life-long fan of the Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, the latter of which failed to win the World Series before he died. At least the Red Sox gave him some fulfillment in 2004 and 2007. Besides his wife of 67 years, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Christopher and Mary Dollas of Byfield; three daughters, Dorothea Heras of Toronto, Anna Maria and son-in-law Peter Starrett of Bellingham, and Fontaine and son-in-law Andre Dubus of Newbury. He also leaves twelve grandchildren: Jason, Gregg and his wife Beth Dollas; Christopher, David, and Andrea Hersh; Peter, Troy, Shane, and Beau Starrett; and Austin, Ariadne, and Elias Dubus. He leaves five great grandchildren. Arrangements: Family and friends may call on Sunday, July 5, 4-8 p.m. at the Twomey-LeBlanc & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High St., Newburyport. A funeral service will be Monday at 11am at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Harris St., Newburyport. Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Newburyport. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, where George & his beloved Mary sang in the choir. For directions to the funeral home or to leave condolences, visit www.contefuneralhomes.com.