George Katsianis

George Spyros Katsianis, 79, of Forked River fell asleep on Thursday October 26, 2023.  Greek  Orthodox members believe that death isn't the end. Life is everlasting and George's soul will be reunited with the body and with Christ.  He was at home, after many months of having Parkinson's dementia and was cared for by his wife, Cathy Katsianis, Mairi, his caregiver and the loving Hospice Group Compassionate Care.

He was born in Argolikon, Greece, a small village outside of Nafplion. George was an electrician in his youth and served in the Greek Air Force. He worked for Izola, one of the most historic brand names in Greek Industrial history.

In his late twenties, George followed his sister, Aphrodite, to America after her marriage to George Mackres of Forked River.

He married Cathy Popo, daughter of Anthony and Barbara, in 1975. They were married for over 48 years. They met and subsequently married at the Forked River House restaurant where he worked. George's restaurant career, as a trained chef in New York City,  also included the  The Pines Manor in Edison, and the Sea Pine Inn where he had a successful career as chef/owner.

Through the influence of his family, he became interested in the tile and stone business. His love of anything mechanical attracted him to the fabrication part of the business and his shop was essentially one of the first in New Jersey to enter the stone cutting industry for residential use as we know it today.  George always loved his work and was extremely grateful for his American citizenship and the opportunities it granted him.

His work ethic has been emulated by his extremely supportive family, Spyro and his wife Tara, Alexander and his wife Danielle and Dimitri and his wife Rachel.  His sons are the current owner operators of Aphrodite Marble and Grantite, Inc.  George was extremely proud of them all. He adored his grandchildren. Alexandria, George Spyro, Elizabeth, George Alexander, Luke, Mihalis and Anastasia will always know and remember the great love Papou had for them. They were the highlight and true blessing of his life.

He is also survived by his devoted and loving sister Aphrodite and his best friend, her husband George and his brother Mihalis of Nafplion, Greece. His sister-in-laws, Maria and her husband Tommy, Gina and her husband Gary and brother-in-law Tony and his wife Helen also offered great support and friendship throughout George's life. He is Uncle George to Faye and her David, who predeceased George, Joanna and John, Angela and Spiro, Nick Mackres and Pauline, Jen and James, Jacqueline, Troy, Julianna and Elliott, John, Nick Popo, Sophia, Spiro and Vicky and Ioanna and Andrea. Their children as well were a treasured part of his life.

George's love of his boat, the Marbelous, was an enjoyment he shared with family and friends. He made numerous trips to the Barnegat Bay, Long Island Sound and Florida.  His family will want to remember him either on the water with his music playing or Greek dancing in a room full of people.

In coming full circle, we ask, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to help repair extensive damage to George's village church in Argolikon. Checks can be made out to: Cathy Katsianis,5 Eagleswood Drive, Waretown, New Jersey 08758. Please include in the memo: Annunciation Church of Argolikon 

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