George Thrappas, 87, of Hamilton, New Jersey, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Born on the Greek island of Chios, he made his home in New Jersey, worked for U.S. Steel, and devoted time to St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Hamilton.
George was born on June 5, 1939, to Christos and Lemonia (Parikas) Thrappas. He immigrated to the United States as a young boy and became an American citizen in 1957. He was a longtime parishioner of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Hamilton, where he regularly volunteered at the annual Greek festival.
Born in Europe shortly before World War II, George appreciated simple pleasures. He enjoyed gardening and was an excellent cook, often preparing meals for his family with ingredients he had grown himself. George also stayed physically active, walking, cycling, or swimming daily well into his eighties.
George loved Greek music and occasionally danced the zeibekiko. Shortly before his passing, he had one final dance from his hospital bed, with a grin on his face.
George is survived by Dolores, his wife of 56 years; his son, Chris; his sister, Eleni Merias; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Kyriaka Kollis, Isidoros Thrappas, Vasilia Milonas, and Angeliki Tsoflias.
Funeral Arrangements
Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday, October 19, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619.
The Greek Orthodox funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery, 1800 Hamilton Avenue, Hamilton, NJ. Burial is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church.