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George Constantinou Obituary
Greenville -
George Constantinou of Greenville - Age 93 passed away Thursday February 28, 2019 surrounded by his family.
The son of Sophie and John Constantinou, George spent his childhood in Washington DC, and Greece. He then returned to Wilmington, Delaware after the depression. He graduated from P.S. DuPont and Goldey Beacon College. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Ahepa organization (65 years) and Scottish Rite of Delaware.
Encouraged by his father's love of food and cooking skills, he convinced his parents to open a submarine sandwich shop and named it Sophie's. Shortly after opening Sophie's he joined the Army to serve and fight for his country. Afterwards he returned home to rejoin the family business. It was then that he met the love of his life, Priscilla, at a YMCA dance and were married. They worked together side by side and raised five children. After 10 years the family purchased The B&O Restaurant which was renovated and became Constantinou's House of Beef.
The inspiration for Constantinou's came from numerous restaurants he visited during his travels through various states. He studied each restaurant and incorporated ideas to fit his concept. George knew that dry aged beef, prime rib and great service by a dedicated staff would be successful but the hospitality was the key ingredient. He met many people from around the world and made many friends, he cherished their friendships. George would say "People and steaks are my hobbies." He would often joking ask, "Do you know how to make a small fortune in the restaurant business? Start with a large fortune!"
Through the 1970's he expanded the restaurant by adding 2 more dining rooms and created George's Next Door. As an entrepreneur he was not afraid of the challenges of change. George's Next Door was later reconfigured to a new concept and experienced increased success.
In 1986 he sold the business and retired. This allowed him to spend more time with his wife Priscilla and travel to Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Panama, Alaska. China and US cities.
Preceded in death by his loving wife Priscilla and daughter Christine Heinz. He is survived by his children Beth, Gigi, John (Carol) and Maria. Grandchildren: George, Ginny and Stephen.
The family would like to thank the entire staff of Country House for the care they provided.
Visitation will be Tuesday March 5, 2019 from 6 to 8 PM at Chandler Funeral Home Concord Pike. Visitation hour Wednesday 10 to 11 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 808 N Broom Street Wilmington, Delaware with services beginning at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or Odyssey Charter School.
For online condolences, please visit www.chandlerfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Constantinou
Sponsored by Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory - Wilmington.
Donna Martone Cohen
February 25, 2022
I have such wonderful happy memories of working for my -Grandfather and Uncle Bill Cann and having- such wonderful meals nextdoor at -Constantinous-------Delightful people!-
BEVERLY-IN-HEAVEN AND ARNIE SHER SAMSON
February 25, 2022
CONSTANTINOU FAMILY OUR FAMILIES GO BACK 1955-NEIGHBORS/BABYSAT FOR MARY/PRISCILLA CHILDREN/FAMILIES-JOHN MET YOU KOZY KORNER DECEMBER-SON/ARNIE VISITING JOHN VOROUS-GOOD SHARING MANY OLD/GOOD/HAPPY MEMORIES OF OUR FAMILIES...BEVERLY-IN-HEAVEN AND ARNIE SHER SAMSON-TOWNSEND DE.
February 27, 2020
YOUR DAD WOULD PICK ME UP IN HIS GREEN MERCEDES-IN MC DANIEL CREST NEXT TO MARY AND JOE-TO BABY SIT YOU GUYS IN 1950'S.-WONDERFUL FAMILY AND GOOD PARENTS.
Lois Lipton Parker
February 26, 2020
He was a great man that had the talent of making everyone feel special. He loved kids and always talked to them. He had a great sense of humor and was a very caring person.
annie harris
March 20, 2019
John and Family, I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. What a legacy he has left and John, he must be so proud that you have carried on and maintained the same standards in quality, service, atmosphere, that he became famous for. It sounds as though he had a wonderful life. Hey, see you soon at Walter's and will offer a margarita toast in his honor!
Annie
Lois Lipton Parker
March 15, 2019
My mother loved going to the restaurant and took us often when we were young. Mr. C always came to the table to say hello and share a new joke he heard. He had a great sense of humor and will be missed by many.
Linda Bonet
March 14, 2019
My sincerest condolences to the family. I worked at CH where he lived, such a wonderful man! Blessings of Peace & comfort to you all.
March 7, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Constantinou. I have so many wonderful memories of seeing him both at Holy Trinity and at the restaurant. He was always such a class act and always wore such a warm & loving smile. My father and mother loved both George and Priscilla very much. My Dad and I will cherish the memories. Our condolences to the entire Constantinou family. May his memory be eternal.
With love, Stephanie Frangia Baker
Mike Campbell
March 7, 2019
To John, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time...
Sam Waltz
March 5, 2019
My wife Sandi and I send George's family our "prayers for the Peace that Passeth Understanding" on the passing of George.
He was an incredible man, and I was privileged to know him for at least 3 or 4 decades. I still remember his Trolley Square location that a generation of Delawareans has not known. It was an incredible gathering place -- not just a restaurant -- for an incredible meal, and an incredible experience. And, in the middle of it all, of course, was George!
Our condolences to the family.
March 5, 2019
He epitomized the hard working businessman. I worked for him during my high school years. He was tough but fair. Learned what a strong work ethic looked like from him among others. Deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time.
Ron and Barbara Morris
March 5, 2019
Dear John and family,
Our condolences in the loss of your dear father. We have wonderful memories of him going back to Constantinou's House of Beef where he would stop at our table and chat. He was a kind, gentle, funny person who will always have a special place in our hearts.
May he Rest In Peace
Donna Cohen
March 4, 2019
Have so many happy memories of your Dad, grandfather, grandparents.
My grandfather's business, Cann Printing was next door.
God bless you all!
Francis & Carole Warnecki
March 4, 2019
My wife and I fondly remember George visiting our table for a friendly chat and/or a dessert or after dinner drink ... a true gentleman and a truly gracious person! He never failed to do this .. he will be missed but never forgotten!
Deb Faith
March 4, 2019
John and family, I'm so very sorry to hear about your father. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Debbie Rodenbaugh (Faith)
March 4, 2019
John our sincere condolences to you and your family. You dad was a great person and we always loved seeing him. He will always be in our hearts and feel we were very lucky to have known him.
Joe & Carol Coombs
Donna Cohen
March 4, 2019
Have such happy memories of Georges!
My grandfather's business, Cann Printing was next door.
God bless you all!
Donna Martone Cohen
Susan Sperry/Dembowczyk
March 4, 2019
So sorry for your loss
LESTER SMALLS JR
March 4, 2019
SINCERE CONDOLENCE TO YOUR FAMILY, THANKS FOR 50+ YEARS OF GREAT MEMORY . LESTER SMALLS JR
Rich
March 4, 2019
My sincere condolences to George's family/friends. Constantinou's House of Beef was my 'go to' place when I was dating back in the 70's/80's, loved the atmosphere and how George would always come to your table and talk...
Mr/MRS Thomas
March 3, 2019
Remembering a pleasant and thoughtful person.
March 3, 2019
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY/FRIENDS. MANY GOOD MEMORIES FROM SOPHIE'S/CONSTANTINO'S HOUSE OF BEEF/WALTERS. MARY/GEORGE/PRISICILLA/FAMILY MANY GOOD MEMORIES FROM MC DANIEL CREST GROWING UP...THANKS.
Paula Gatos
March 3, 2019
Condolences to the family. He was a really kind man. I always liked him and was happy to see him, and was a friend of my parents as well. May his memory be eternal.
Monica Hill
March 3, 2019
Beth,
My heart goes out to you and your family in the loss of your father. He was a great man and the love for him lives on!
stacy brown
March 3, 2019
I have many many fond memories of your dad. He was always so kind and warm and always with a smile
Heidi & Brian Dorso
March 3, 2019
George was such a wonderful man and a great person to work for. My husband and I worked for him for years at Constantinou's. I fondly remember very busy nights when the wait list for tables was long and George, in his usual fashion, walking around stopping at every table to talk to the guests. We would have to walk by and tap him on the back to remind him to move along so we would be able to seat other guests. He really loved to socialize with his guests! We all had such great times!!
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Christine Lloyd
March 3, 2019
John and family,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Your father was a wonderful man. I remember him fondly.
With sympathy,
Chris Lloyd
Kathy and Michael Klezaras
March 3, 2019
George was one of a kind and will surely be missed. Condolences to the Constantinou family. May his memory be eternal!
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