George A. Contakis

George Anthony Contakis, age 88, of Dublin, peacefully passed away on April 29, 2022, at Joanne's House at Hope Hospice after a long, courageous battle with chronic kidney disease. Born December 31, 1933, in Springfield, Massachusetts, son of Antonios and Stratia (Galanis) Contakis. George was a graduate of the High School of Commerce, where he actively participated in several sports, glee club, and band. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from American International College and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut. George proudly served in the United States Army as a corporal, serving in the Korean War before being honorably discharged. He began his professional career as a Field Counselor with the Ohio Youth Commission in Toledo, Ohio before transferring to Columbus in 1962. George rose to the role of Director of Placement Services, which included foster care, group homes, and adoption at Franklin County Children Services, before retiring. He was also a valued partner in property management with Pella Company, providing student housing in and around the Ohio State University area. Most importantly, George was a proud parishioner of The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, embracing his Greek heritage with involvement in both the church choir and Hellenic Singers, loving to perform during the church's annual Greek Festival. He will be lovingly remembered for his quiet, gentle disposition, warm smile, and laugh, but most importantly his commitment to his family. He was life-long Boston Red Sox baseball and Ohio State Buckeyes football fan. He enjoyed playing handball, golfing, and was an avid reader. He was truly loved and respected by all that knew him. George was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Stacey; his father, mother, and stepfather Peter Drost; brother, Charles (Marie) and sister, Mary (Peter) Fraser; and niece, Stacy Craft. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Noula; son, Anthony (Linda); grandchildren, Robert (Megan) Basinger, Nicole (Brian) Goldstein, James Contakis, and Kathryn Contakis; great grandson, Damien Basinger; nieces and nephews, Lynn (George) Kuselias, Tony (Karen) Contakis, Michael (Laura) Contakis, Christopher (Sheri) Fraser; their extended families, and numerous friends. Friends may call at the O.R. WOODYARD NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 2990 Bethel Road, Wednesday, May 11, from 4-8 p.m. with the Trisagion at 7:30 p.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service which will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 12 at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High Street. Reverend Father Demetrios Gardikes, Economos, officiating. Entombment will follow at Union Cemetery, 3349 Olentangy River Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High Street, Columbus, OH, 43215.