George Michael Kelakos

George Michael Kelakos obituary, Greenwich, CT

George Michael Kelakos

George Kelakos Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Castiglione Funeral Home on Mar. 11, 2024.

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George Michael Kelakos, 67 of Greenwich Connecticut passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2024 of complications from the Covid-19 virus he contracted in November 2020.
George was born on February 24, 1957 in Boston, Massachusetts. George's father was a Foreign Service officer with the American Embassy and George spent his childhood years living in Italy, France and Israel. He attended the Walworth Barbor American International School in Israel and finished high school at Canton High School in Canton, MA when the family returned to the United States. George graduated from Brandeis University and got his law degree from University of Denver.
After law school, George practiced bankruptcy and restructuring law at various firms before forming Cohn & Kelakos in Boston in 1990. In 2006, George formed Kelakos Advisors LLC focusing on cross-border transactions, distressed M&A, insolvency and dispute resolution. He had advisory roles to western companies with presence in Southeast Asia, China, Europe and the Middle East. George was an original founding member of the International Insolvency Institute which was formed in 2002. He was a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute and served as Vice President of International Committee. He was a founding member and lead guitarist of the ABI's classic rock band "Indubitable Equivalents" formed in 2004. George was a passionate musician, an advanced martial artist and a motorcycle enthusiast.
George is survived by his wife Anchalee Kelakos, Anchalee's family in Northern Virginia, his sister Eleni Kelakos and her husband Jim Fleming, the Behrakis and the Zaroulis of Lowell, MA, the Pappas of Boston, MA, the Kelakos-Haberstroh of Westport, CT, the Constas and the Hamilton of Greenwich, CT. He was predeceased by his father Michael George Kelakos and mother Theresa Plakias Kelakos.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held in Washington, D.C. to coincide with the American Bankruptcy Institute's annual conference in April. More details to follow.

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April 17, 2024

Dave Gryce posted to the memorial.

March 14, 2024

Charlie Newdorf posted to the memorial.

March 12, 2024

George Zygmont posted to the memorial.

Dave Gryce

April 17, 2024

I met George through his sister, Eleni, back in the late 70´s. Eleni and I were at Brown University at the time, and she was our band´s (Windy Mountain´s) lead singer. George came on board when the band was going through some personnel changes. George and I shared a love of music and immediately bonded. We both decided to go into law, so George and I packed up and moved to Denver to attend the University of Denver College of Law. George would eventually return to the East Coast and finish his law studies at Suffolk Law, while I remained in Denver.

George never allowed himself to just get by when it came to music or martial arts or anything he applied himself to. He was incredibly disciplined that way. In keeping with his pursuit of music, George had magnificent guitars, including a guitar he took with him on his many trips to Asia. He always had to have a guitar with him, wherever he traveled.

George and I stayed in touch over the years, as we each pursued our respective careers. I eventually moved to DC and was able to meet with George from time to time. At one point, George invited me to join him at a performance of the Indubitable Equivalents, George´s band. George was amazing! And to let me join him was so kind. He was generous like that.

As a counterpoint to his intensity when it came to the disciplines he pursued, George was a gentle soul. Easy with a smile, even when physical afflictions caused him pain, and always with a story to tell.

Miss you, bro. Hope you are jamming with the angels!

Charlie Newdorf

March 14, 2024

I knew George both personally and professionally. We worked on a number of successful engagements together when he was Boston-based and we shared a on-going love of travel and motorcycling, which we maintained and discussed right up until a few days before his passing. George was smart, creative, fun to be around, a good friend and a true original. Our family sends their sincerest condolences to Anchalee for your loss.

George Zygmont

March 12, 2024

Although I met George late summer of 2016, we became good friends. I looked up to him like a big brother, and he was always there offering advice. A true gentleman always good with my daughters. Always discussed martial arts good food and great wine and travel. I love you brother.! You will truly be missed

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544 Old Post Road #3, Greenwich, CT 06830

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April 17, 2024

Dave Gryce posted to the memorial.

March 14, 2024

Charlie Newdorf posted to the memorial.

March 12, 2024

George Zygmont posted to the memorial.