George Stamos

George Stamos, an accomplished chef, writer and poet, collector, and an ardent old movie fan, died October 17, six weeks before his 87th birthday, after a four-month struggle with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

George was raised by his immigrant grandparents, and Greek was his first language. He grew up in the old Cherry School neighborhood and cherished his childhood memories of Toledo in the 1930s and 40s. He loved recalling walks downtown as a young boy to take in the sights of a busy and vibrant city.

His career in the culinary world began in the kitchens at Inverness Country Club, and after stints in local restaurants over several years, concluded with ten years as chef at the University of Toledo president's home, preparing dinners for special donor events, board members, UT alumni and visiting guests.

George's creative talents were evident in his college years through award-winning pieces in campus literary publications, and he continued writing poetry throughout his life. As a constant reader, he particularly loved the works of novelist Henry Miller, but also loved biographies and managed to remember the smallest details about famous personalities. In the world of movies, he loved Film Noir, including such classics as Sunset Boulevard and The Maltese Falcon.

In another vein, he had a good eye for hidden treasures and he and fellow bargain hunters appeared regularly at estate sales from the beginning of their popularity in the 1960s. He discovered an illustration for a classic Life Magazine cover from the 1920s, which he later sold at auction in New York City. He also amassed a sizable book collection, including first editions and signed copies, which he more recently sold to an Ohio dealer.

In a verse written just months ago for a friend's birthday, George wrote the following, ending with his thoughts on the inevitable passing of time:

The clock is an assassin
A better shot than,
Annie Oakley.
Knit one,
Purl two,
And you knit
A life you love,
Except for
A dangling string,
That time pulls
Like a ripcord,
And your parachute
Doesn't open.

Surviving are his wife, Laura; son, Arthur (Michelle); grandchildren, Kate Stamos and George Stamos; and sisters-in-law, Pat Green and Casey Schreiner. He also treasured his friendships with Joseph Geha, Tom Galvin, Mike Pizza, and the late Jack Young.

Services for George will be private, and at his request his body has been donated to the University of Toledo Medical Center. A celebration of life will be held for family and friends at a later date.