George Nicholas Nikolopoulos

George Nicholas Nikolopoulos, 88
1936 - 2025
Salem - George Nicholas Nikolopoulos, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, surrounded by his devoted family, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and community spirit. A cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Born on October 26, 1936, in the village of Kastori (Kastania), Sparti, Lakonia, Greece son of the late Nikolaos and Eleni (Pappageorgacopoulos) Nikolopoulos. George's life was marked by his deep family ties, hard work, and dedication to his heritage and community.
George's early years were shaped by the challenges of the 1940 Italian/German invasion of Greece. He often recalled the harrowing nights spent in the mountains of Taygettos, where his mother led him and his siblings to safety in caves alongside other families fleeing the invaders. These formative experiences instilled in George a deep sense of resilience that he carried throughout his life.
After completing his military service in the Greek Army from 1958 to 1960, George immigrated to the United States in 1962. He briefly lived with his brother Elias and his wife Despina before reconnecting and working with his Uncle George Taleas owner of a Shoe Shop in Harvard Sq. George shined shoes across from Harvard University where he humorously told others he worked at Harvard.
In 1967, George met and married the love of his life, Gale (Ghareeb) Nikolopoulos. While George told his mother that they met "…in Church…" reality is that their initial meet took place at "Wagon Wheels," a Sunday night Greek night in Peabody. Their enduring marriage spanned over 57 wonderful years, during which they lovingly raised their two children, Nicolas Joseph Nikolopoulos and Elizabeth Elaine (Nikolopoulos) Rego. In 1971, the family moved to South Salem, where they enjoyed a close-knit, supportive life for over fifty years.
In collaboration with his brothers, George co-owned American Painting and Construction Co., proudly showcasing his craftsmanship throughout the North Shore. George took great joy in driving Gale around the area, pointing out the homes he had painted with pride. In 1978, he joined General Electric as a Painter and eventually rose to the position of Carp-painter (carpenter/painter). George formed deep friendships with colleagues, including with the late Jerry Menkello of Lynn, and was well-loved by everyone he worked with.
In the early 1970s, as President of the Kastoreion Society in Lynn, George's dedication to fostering community and maintaining connections among his fellow compatriots was evident in the many bus tours he organized for his fellow compatriots from Kastania who lived in/around Lynn. These trips allowed friends and families to reconnect with those who had settled in areas around Canada and the United states. They would leave from St. George Lynn church by tour bus– drove to the Greek dance – Upon their arrival, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie. Through these efforts, George nurtured a strong sense of community among the expatriates, ensuring that even though distance separated them, they remained bonded by shared heritage and experiences. George understood the need to make bus trips practical, essential for participation, and a way to foster community spirit and connect with neighbors from afar.
After retiring from GE, George dedicated himself to upgrading a cherished Villa in Kastori, a historic structure purchased from the Nikolopoulos family. This villa, built in 1874 and located within walking distance of the village center ("Plateia"), became his sanctuary. George was incredibly proud of the upgrades made, with his favorite feature being the panoramic rooftop that offered breathtaking views of the surrounding Peloponnese countryside. This became a special place where George and Gale spent over 30 years vacationing with their children, Nicolas and Elizabeth, and grandchildren, Jeffrey and Angelica. George took immense pride in having his children and grandchildren visit the villa, often sharing walks throughout the village, stories and memories of their family's rich history in the area.
George loved hosting parties for the Nikolopoulos and Ghareeb families, often featuring a whole lamb roasting in their backyard. A phenomenal cook, George saw food as an extension of his love for others. Each dish he prepared carried personal stories, laughter, and a deep sense of connection. His gift for storytelling, sharing family history, culture, and the daily joys of life, made every gathering a cherished occasion.. George took great pride in serving his creations, joyfully watching friends and family savor each bite. For George, food was more than nourishment-it was a bond that celebrated life, friendship, and love.
George leaves his wife, Gale, whom he loved "too much". His adored and beloved daughter, Elizabeth Rego, cherished grandson, Jeffrey Rego Jr. and his wife Nicole Rego and devoted granddaughter Angelica Rego; his cousin and her husband, Sofia (Peter) Patsio, sisters-in-laws Eleni Christos Nikolopoulos and Elaine (Chrysostomos) Nikolopoulos; Beverly Ghareeb, Gwen Noonan, and many, many nieces and nephews here in America and in Greece.
He was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses. Eugenia (Dimitrious) Dimitrakopoulos, Elias (Despina) Nikolopoulos, Crisostomo Nikolopoulos, Marika Nikolopoulos and his twin brother Christos Nikolopoulos, his loving mother and father-in-law Joseph and Elizabeth Ghareeb; sister and brother-in-law Lillian and Paul Panagopoulos, Sr.; Frederick (Fred) Noonan and Beverly's loving soulmate Robert Sweet.
He was also predeceased by his cherished and beloved son, Nicolas Joseph Nikolopoulos whom he adored and whose loss deeply devastated and affected him. George's life was a testament to someone who lived life to the fullest. He is now reunited with his siblings and beloved son, where his family feels assured they have welcomed him with open arms, continuing the traditions they established together.
May his memory be eternal.
Service Information: His visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 9AM-11AM in St. George Greek Orthodox Church; 54 North Common St. Lynn, MA 01902, with a funeral service beginning at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. George Greek Orthodox Church; 54 North Common St. Lynn, MA 01902. Arrangements by the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, Lynn. Directions and guestbook at www.solimine.com