Bonatsakis, George

A Father, in every true sense of the word, a Pappou, devoted beyond words, a Patriarch, the epitome of the word - George Bonatsakis, a man supremely ethical, honorable , and thoughtful, who never slowed down- a man disciplined, unfailingly organized and orderly, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving Family, on May 3, 2022.

Born on May 27, 1927, on the island of Crete, Greece to Emanual and Sterie (Limvitakis) Bonatsakis, he was predeceased by his cherished wife of 74 years Kallie, treasured son

Michael, beloved grandson George, loving sisters Maria and Eleni, and dear brother and sister in law Spero and Antonia Bonatsakis. In addition to his daughter, Elaine Tsakiris, George leaves behind grandsons John Tsakiris and Dimitri Bonatsakis, granddaughter, Kara Tsakiris, and dearest great granddaughter, Kaleigh Tsakiris. George's life was full of loving friends and family. Notably, Peter Tsakiris, a son in law who he appreciated throughout life,

and Mika Bonatsakis, his late son's wife, who has always been a caring presence. In Greece, he leaves a beloved brother and sister in law, Nick and Niki Bonatsakis, niece Maria and John Hatzidimitriou, in addition to many nieces and nephews. Locally, he leaves a treasure trove of devoted nieces and nephews - Michael and Joanne Bonatsakis, Sterie and Demetri Pachis, Rose and Peter Vouthounes, Athena and Dale Spencer, Nick and

Caroline Stevas, and many loving great nieces and nephews.

He was the personification of a man who attained the "American Dream", working tirelessly throughout his entire life, from his early years in Hartford Hospital's culinary division, to a long career at Royal Typewriter, and ultimately, ownership of restaurants in the Hartford area, he truly never shied away from taking on new challenges.

His life was punctuated by

3 A's attitude, awareness, authenticity

and

3 S's self-sufficient, self-reliant, systematic

George's set of fundamental values were punctuated by a hard work ethic, honesty, reliability, and excellence, which became his way of thinking - his way of life.

My Father's life-long commitment was to love and honor his home, his neighbors, his Church, and the values of his Country.

He was a proud man - exhibiting the qualities which he hoped would be mirrored in life - pride in Family, Church, and Community. His seven decades long dedication to his Church was a cornerstone to his existence - a member, parish council representative, and past President of his beloved St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. He worked tirelessly to maintain the functionality and beauty of the Church, from outside maintenance, kitchen efficacy, and all-around caretaker of his "second home.". His ardent integrity fostered his life-long community involvement. No one can forget his years of enjoyment and pride in being a constant presence and integral part of St. George's Greek

Festival, where his rice pudding recipe is a culinary delight to this day!

He was a Family man, reveling in his home's and neighborhood's lawns, gardens, and flower beds, and, let me not forget, being a conservator for our area's wildlife and birds! He was a down to earth philosopher, sharing the

wisdom of his years with his children and grandchildren - an invaluable mentor who was admired and loved for his steadfast virtues, thoughtfulness, and honesty. An all-around fix-it man...through his creative efforts, he was able to salvage and repair just about anything!

George will be remembered by many as " That Friend," "That Neighbor," "That Man.". He was an inspiration to the many who marveled at his level of activeness and his tenacity for life. He was the embodiment and essence of a man who was resourceful, punctual, regimented and inventive.

He was the heart and soul of his loving Family. The greatest joy in his life was to demonstrate his deep affection for his loved ones. He will be remembered for his eternal love, generosity, and many sacrifices for his descendants.

Hard work, diligence, and integrity were the crescendo of the soundtrack to his life - a symphony for a man well-lived and well-loved.

The past holds a power over all of us as a standard for the present and sign post to the future.

I thank my " BELOVED BABA" for being the compass and lighthouse for my life!!!

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 10,2022, 11:00 am at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Ave., Hartford, Ct., 06114, with the Reverend Dr. George Zugravu officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Tuesday, prior to the service from 10:00am to 11:00 am at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Hartford. To express condolences on line, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com