George Sotirios Giagiakos

January 14, 1936 – November 30, 2025

George Sotirios Giagiakos was called to heaven on Sunday, November 30, 2025.  He was 89 years old. George came to the United States in 1957 from Talenta, Monemvasias, Lakonia, Greece.  He lived with his uncle Kostas and aunt Crisoula (Mellas) Manos in Ozone Park, Queens, working and learning the restaurant business at St. John’s Restaurant in Richmond Hill.  He credits his uncle and cousins with helping him assimilate in his new country.  He worked hard to bring his parents and siblings to the United States, helping them get established as his aunt and uncle did for him.

In 1965 he met and married the love of his life, Trini Speers.  They were married November 28, 1965, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Jamaica, Queens.  In 1973, they built a house on New Prospect Road in Pine Bush, NY, where they raised 3 children – Antonia, Steven and Andrew.  Shortly after moving into their home, he opened up The Village Restaurant on Main Street, Pine Bush.  There he became a much loved and respected member of the community.  Never turning anyone away, ready to provide the meals for the Pine Bush Firehouse 200 Club dinners, hiring local high school students, and contributing to the growth of the town he loved. He was a member of the Pine Bush Kiwanis Club.  

After selling the restaurant he managed many local diners including the Americana, Goshen Plaza, and for many years, the Walden Diner.  He also worked for his cousin Arthur Manos at H&H Bagels East in Manhattan.

George was an active steward of the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Middletown.  He served several terms on the Council, and, in addition to helping whenever the need arose, he put in many hours serving gyros or helping where needed at the church’s annual Greek Festival.  He was a long-time member of AHEPA.

George is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Trini.  His Children Antonia (Doug) Rockwell, Steven (Sue) Giagiakos, and Andrew (Venessa) Giagiakos; grandchildren Dustin (Danika) Rockwell, Alexis (Thomas) Collins, Mercedes (Jake) Wilson, Jordan Giagiakos, Briana Giagiakos, Larissa Giagiakos, and Santino Giagiakos.  Great-Grandchildren Braden, Jaelene, Kenleigh, Rayna, Elliana, Sophia, and Clara, bonus grands – Aubrey, Anthony, and Mary.  Also surviving is  his sister, Despina, and brother Theodore and many nieces and nephews.

George was pre-deceased by his loving parents, Sotirios and Antonia (Mellas) Giagiakos, brothers John and Evangelo, and sister Maria, brothers-in-law Dino and Charles, in-laws Regg and Dorothy Speers, nephew Steven. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday December 4, 2025 from 4-7pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd. Pine Bush NY. Funeral Mass will be offered on Friday December 5, 2025 at 11am at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 2250 Goshen Turnpike, Middletown, NY 10941. Burial will take place in New Prospect Cemetery. 

Please consider making a donation in his name to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, Hospice of Orange & Sullivan, West; Orange/Ulster Archcare; or Tunnel to Towers. Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com