George L. Kontakos

GUILDERLAND – George L. Kontakos, 46, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at St. Peter's Hospice Inn after a brief illness. Born in Schenectady, he was the son of Maria Kontakos and the late Louis Kontakos.

George graduated from Linton High School in 1985 and Siena College in 1989. He married his high school sweetheart, Stephanie, June 29, 1991. George was Director of Sales for Berry Plastic. He regularly attended St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church with his family and was a member of the Parish Council. George worked tirelessly at the annual Greek Festival in the Souvlaki stand, which he loved doing. He was an avid gamer with his son and nephews, and an all-around family man. George was truly a devoted husband and father.

Along with his father, George was predeceased by his grandparents George and Vasiliki Kontakos, and Elias and Constantina Spyridakos.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 22 years, Stephanie (Galanis) Kontakos; children Valerie and Louis Kontakos; sister Valerie (Michael) D'Amario; mother-in-law Sandra Galanis;sister-in-law Kathy (John) D'Anna; nephews Nicholas, Steven, Alex and Mikie, and John, James and Joseph, as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to thank all of their family and friends for their outpouring of love and support. They would also like to thank St. Peter's Hospice Inn for their kindness and care for George, as well as the doctors and nurses at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. The family also wishes to extend their appreciation to George's colleagues for their prayers and generosity.
George will always be remembered for his kind heart and unshakable devotion to his family and friends.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A Trisagion service will be held that evening at 7:30 pm at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am at St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road, Albany. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery, Albany. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the George Kontakos Memorial Fund, Citizens Bank, 2080 Western Avenue, Guilderland, NY 12084.