George Catanakis

George Emmanuel Catanakis, 74, passed away peacefully in Venice, FL, on November 22, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Colleen Catanakis for 44 years.
On September 1, 1947, George was born in Loutra Aidipsos on the island of Evia, in Greece, a son of Emmanuel and Basiliki Katanakis. As a young man in Greece, he was an avid soccer player, joined the Greek Air Force, and worked as a movie projector operator. He later took a job on one of Onassis' ships which brought him to the United States. He immigrated to the United States and became an American Citizen. He took pride in being an American, and he loved the United States.
In 1978 he married Colleen, the love of his life, and began a love story that would span over 44 years. The couple met at the Country Squire Diner in Wall Township, NJ. George was a cook, and Colleen was a waitress. George fell in love with Colleen at the diner where they both worked and during their long walks on the beach. They saved all their money and purchased a restaurant, The Indian Chief Tavern in Medford, NJ, where they raised their children. George was a hard-working, generous man who truly loved others. He made many lasting friendships at The Indian Chief and thought of his employees as family. He and his wife donated the banquet room of their restaurant, free of charge for many years, to support both the Special Olympics and the Toys for Tots fundraisers.
In addition to his wife, George is survived by his children; Kimberly and her husband Mike Dimel of Seabrook, TX, Betsy and her husband Erik Githens of Medford, NJ and Kat Catanakis of Venice, FL; as well as 3 Grandchildren; his loving Mother-in-Law Dorothy Blank, and Brother-in-Law Gary and his wife Katie Blank and family of Allenwood, NJ.
George was loved deeply and will be remembered by many because of his kind heart and generous spirit. George and his wife moved to Venice, FL, to be closer to the beach. He loved the outdoors, especially tending to his plants and fig trees with his dog Louie by his side.
Memorial contributions may be made in George's name to:
Alpha-1 Foundation
3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 567-9888
alpha1.org