Georgios “George” Karamitopoulos passed away on the morning of November 23, 2025, held in the love of his family.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary, and their three children, Kiki (Christos), Greg (Lisa), and Dia (Kosmas). Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by his grandchildren: Maria, George, Demetra, Pashalia, Lina, Yianni, baby Georgie, and baby Demetri.
George was born on February 1, 1941, in Omali, Macedonia, and raised in nearby Tsotili. Before coming to America, he worked as an iron worker, a trade that reflected his strength, his skill, and his pride in doing things the right way. He married Mary in 1971, and in 1977 he brought his young family to Upper Darby, where they made St. Demetrios their spiritual home. Ten years later, with the arrival of their daughter Dia, their family was complete.
For more than 15 years, George served St. Demetrios on the Parish Council. Many remember him at the festivals, standing over the psistaria and turning lambs and souvles with the steady hand of someone who loved feeding his community. At home he made his own wine, tsipouro, loukanika, and the kebab his grandchildren always asked for.
George carried his Greek roots with deep pride. His klarina, his garden, his history books, and even his fiery political debates were part of who he was, and they sometimes even got him banned from Facebook for speaking his mind. He was a true meraklis, someone who put care and heart into every detail. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren the skills and traditions he believed should never be lost.
Those who knew him also knew his honesty. George said exactly what he thought, without filters, and he never hesitated to remind the people he loved how much they meant to him. That mix of directness, humor, and a huge heart, along with his unmistakable mustache, is what so many will miss.
His greatest pride was his family. His wife, his children, their spouses whom he embraced as his own, and his eight grandchildren continue to honor their faith, their culture, and the community of St. Demetrios. Nothing brought him more joy.
George will be missed by everyone who knew him, especially those who called him pappou and baba. May he rest in peace, dancing again to his klarina with the angels and the friends who surely welcomed him with a bottle of tsipouro.
Funeral Arrangements
A viewing will be held on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA 19082. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon, with interment at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Marple. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.