George Vomvolakis
August 17, 1929 - June 16, 2020
Lifelong Resident of Santa Cruz

Friends and family are mourning the loss of George Vomvolakis who passed away at the age of 90. Born in Davenport, California to Antonio and Ellen (Spezia) Vomvolakis, he was one of nine children, and the oldest son. The family moved to Santa Cruz and George attended Mission Hill Middle School. In 1947, he graduated from Santa Cruz High School where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football.
George joined the Air Force at the age of nineteen, and was stationed at Larsen Air Force Base in Washington state. He married Patricia (Antonelli) and their son Steven was born while they were living on the base. Upon his military discharge in 1952, they moved back to Santa Cruz where George worked for Pacific Bell Telephone Company, and enjoyed coaching Little League all throughout the 1960's. George and Patricia divorced in 1968.
In 1970, he partnered with Ellsworth, Jon, and Lance Bei to open the DeLaveaga Golf Lodge Restaurant, with Marci Bei becoming a partner some years later. He retired in December 2016 following a career of 46 years at DeLaveaga where he truly enjoyed working and golfing with his friends.
George was married to Jeanine (Quadros) in 1972. She preceded him in death in 2000. He is survived by his brother Nick; his son, Steve (Terri Newlove) Vomvolakis; his grandchildren: Sara Keller, and Pete Vomvolakis (Lisa Stelle); his great grandchildren: Alexa, Danielle, and Joshua Keller; Mia and Anna Vomvolakis; his stepsons; Stephen and Norman Quadros, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family including Jason Keller.
Our deepest appreciation goes to caregivers Laura Vadenais, Christina Atkinson, Ana Lucia Davidson, and to Dr. David Beck for their loving kindness and care for George. He was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery in Santa Cruz. A kind act of charity in George's memory may be made to Bariteau/Schultz Delaveaga Jr. Golf Scholarship Fund, 401 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz, CA. 95065 (501cnon-profit)

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Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Jun. 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for George Vomvolakis

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11 Entries

Rick Bartle

June 17, 2024

George was without question a pillar of the Santa Cruz community. He was more than a part owner at DeLaveaga. He was more than the host or the greeter. He was the Ambassador who knew everyone and if he didn't.....just give him a minute or two. They don't make them like that anymore. He was one hell of a man. Rest in peace old friend.

Rick Bartle

June 15, 2021

What more can you say about George that has not already been said? His first name, George was synonymous withDeLaveaga. When you went to DeLaveaga George was always there. He was part of that spirit of DeLaveaga. He was a part of its' success. As gruff and tough as he at times presented himself he, in reality, was gentle and kind, having the heart as big as a house.He was no pushover. He was one hell of a man

Jonathan Bem

June 29, 2020

I washed dishes for Jon, and stocked the bar for George and Lance. I worked hard, but they made work a lot of fun. George always took time to ask about my family and told me to say "Hello" to my folks. He was a good man and a kind friend.

John Panattoni

June 27, 2020

George, I love you! I will never forget about you! Love, John Panattoni

Rick Bartle

June 24, 2020

Seems as if I have known George my whole life. From playing Little League, socializing at Beis Bar at Delavega Golf Course, his association with my family, our weekly Sunday breakfasts at the course and all those in-between times, George always greeted us with a smile and let me not forget his friendly smack in the arm. My sincere condolences to the family. Love you George. There will never be another. Rest in Peace

Mark Andreas Chandler

June 22, 2020

I had the pleasure of knowing George for many decades, always will remember him with fondness. His ready smile and quick wit was welcome and well received by all who knew him.

Mick Routh

June 22, 2020

Not many people reach legendary status but your goodwill and fun spirit got you there. RIP friend.

Donna Tucker Orr

June 22, 2020

Uncle George blessed my life with many memorable visits with he and my Aunt Jeanine. He was SO KIND, great smile, and a twinkle in his eye. He always made me feel loved and was a great listener. I believe he had the gift of hospitality. A man to be respected and loved. I'm so thankful for how he touch my life.

Greg Beebe

June 22, 2020

I first met George when I was a nervous teen-age busboy for John Bei's restaurant at DeLa lodge. There I was surrounded by a group of extremely kind men vainly masquerading as tough guys, with George as their leader. Rarely does a day go by that I don't draw on something I learned from these guys, whether it was the correct way to clear a table or the proper gestation period for a well-executed practical joke. In adulthood, I always felt secure knowing that no matter where I was nor the time of day, I always knew exactly where George was and what he and the rest of the guys were doing: playing cards, helping people, cracking jokes. Congratulations to George on a life so nicely lived. He may have changed tables, but I think we all still know where to find George.

Rod Quartararo

June 21, 2020

Say hello to Dick Gilbert.

Georgia Magnabosco

June 21, 2020

eorge was always such a nice person always had a smile god bless him rip condolences to the family

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