Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
George Sotirakis Obituary
He was born May 17, 1954, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, the only child of the late John and Argiro Sotirakis of Woodbridge, N.J.
In 1974, George and several high school friends came to Vermont for a winter of skiing in Killington. It was here that he met the love of his life, Jan Merrill of Pittsfield. They later married on September 26, 1981, at Grace Congregational Church in Rutland.
George spent several years doing property management and general construction before becoming self employed. George was "Jack of All Trades and Master of All." As the result of his visionary ingenuity, he was able to repair and create anything with even the barest of resources. His inventive visions were coupled with Dr. John Wheeler when they patented an ergonomic medication administration device.
George was a passionate hunter. He only missed the opening of two hunting seasons due to hospitalization resulting from complications from his cancer. One week after being discharged from having surgery, he shot a deer with his muzzle loader. This past year, he was successful in shooting a turkey, a deer with his cross-bow and a deer with his muzzleloader on December 12th.
George became a member of the Chittenden Volunteer Fire Department in 1985. As his health deteriorated, the membership voted him as a life member to the department in May 2008. In January 2010, he was presented with a statute in his honor in commemoration of the naming of The George Sotirakis Meeting Room. In this room, a plaque will be permanently on display in recognition of his years of dedication.
He was also a charter member of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club Vermont Chapter 3. He was the first member to complete their "Grand Tour" receiving recognition for his accomplishments. This past summer, he repeated the completion of several Red Knights' tour challenges. His passion for riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle was one of his greatest thrills.
George will always be remembered for his true love of life, adventure and friends, as well as his genuine sense of humor and his heart felt generosity towards others.
George leaves his best friend and wife of 28 years, Jan. He leaves his cousin, Taki and his wife Voula Ganiaris of NYC. Takis was George's oldest cousin and his confidant. He also leaves his mother- and father-in-law, Eunice and the late Raymond Merrill of Pittsfield; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Denny and Ginny Merrill of Colorado; sister-in-law Diane of Pittsfield; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Randy and Laura Merrill of New Jersey and their children, Jessica and Justin, who were like their own children to both George and Jan. In addition, he leaves his very dear nephew, Josh and his wife Michelle Merrill and their daughters, Hannah and Olivia, who George adored. He also leaves many extended family members and numerous friends which played such a significant role in his life.
Memorial contributions in George's honor will graciously be accepted by the Chittenden Volunteer Fire Department, in care of Fire Chief Scott Poljacik, 260 Chittenden Road, Chittenden, VT 05737; or to The Red Knights Motorcycle Club Vermont Chapter 3, in care of Don Moore, PO Box 1403, Station A, Rutland, VT 05701. These funds will be used to support their memberships' friends and family in need. Jan would like to thank both of these organizations for all of their help, support and contributions during this difficult time.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland. A celebration of George's life will be scheduled for sometime in March. No immediate services will be held.
View the guest book at www.rutlandherald.com/ obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Sotirakis
Christine Newell
March 2, 2010
Dear Jan,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please give me a call if i can help in any way.
February 20, 2010
Dear Jan,
Thinking about you alot during this difficult time. You and George had such a special bond. Take care of yourself.
Love, Jessica
John and Debbie Petrocy
February 19, 2010
Dear Jan,
John and I want to offer our heartfelt sympathy to you. Although it's been a while, we have great memories of times we spent with you and George. May all the wonderful memories of your life with George be your strength going forward.
Love,
John, Debbie Jaimi and Casey
February 18, 2010
Jan, so sorry for your loss. Even though we didn't really know him we felt we did through your Aunt Marge,he sounded like a wonderful and talented man. God Bless you for being by his side day and night.Remember all the HAPPY times. "Our sympathy goes out to you and the family. Dave & Cindy, Aunt Marge & Uncle Chuck's dear friends.
Chris Bongartz
February 18, 2010
Hi Jan,
I just wanted to take a minute to offer my condolences. I'm so happy that you took the time to spend being with your hubby and enjoying every minute you were able to be together. I hope the memories help to heal the pain of losing George.
Warmly,
February 17, 2010
Jan,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of George. I am thinking of you and I am here for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Dianna Sharon( little d)
Charlie Tartaglione
February 17, 2010
Jan
I'm very sad to hear about George passing and have been thinking of all the fun times and the "few" beers we had together. I'll never forget our epic 6 week x-country motorcycle trip in 77. I wish you all the best in these difficult times. Take care, Charlie
Robin Bombard
February 17, 2010
Being your neighbor for all these years Jan, I have always appreciated you guys friendship. George was always there everytime I needed either his help or advise. I was always asking him if there was something I could do to repay is kindness. Hopefully now I can be there for you, in his memory Jan.
Anne Fillioe
February 17, 2010
Jan, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
February 17, 2010
Jan sorry about your lost he was a good firefighter and would do anything for the department. He will always be with the Department for many years to come. Justin Duby Chittenden firefighter.
Judy Scheide
February 17, 2010
Dear Jan,
We have heard so many wonderful things about you and George from our neighbors on Dam Road. Our deepest sympathies are with you and prayers for you for strength in the days and months ahead.
Judy and Bill Scheide
Sharon Oliver
February 17, 2010
Dear Jan,
I was deeply saddened to hear of George's passing, but so thankful that he was at home with you and at peace. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you, his surviving community of family and many friends as you cope with your loss. The times we had together have always and will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Steve Mailhiot
February 17, 2010
Jan, I was shocked to learn of George's passing. My heart and prayers go out to you and the rest of his family. I am thankful to have known George and to have had the privelage to ride with him. Cherish the memories. God bless you Jan.
Jack Oliver
February 17, 2010
George's passing is a terrible loss to everyone. He was a very good friend to me and I will miss him very much. Jack & Sharon Oliver, Acton, Massachusetts
Sharron Brutkoski
February 17, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Cherish the wonderful memories and hold them tight.
February 17, 2010
dear jan
sorry for your loss
my prayers are with you and your family
lucy wood
rutland vt
Mary Ellen LaDuke
February 17, 2010
Dear Jan, Like everyone else who know you and/or George I am so sorry to read of your loss, my heart is aching for you. I know you are a strong person and will get through these most difficult days but remember to lean on those around you who loved you both. Prayers are with you.
Morgan Tyminski
February 17, 2010
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Cindy Hall
February 16, 2010
Jan, my heart is breaking for you. Wish I had known George better, because it sounds like he was a great man and loved by many. You are in my thoughts and prayers and we will see you in March to celebrate his life and memories. Blessings to you, cousin.
Kellie Bride
February 16, 2010
Jan, I am so very sorry to hear about George. He is in my memories as far back as I can remember. I feel blessed to have known him since I was a little girl and will always remember him as such a kind man with a great sense of humor. You made an amazing team and your courage and strength is admirable. Please take care of yourself and lean on those around you...and always know you now have an angel by your side!!! Lots of Love !!! Kellie (Blow) Bride
Bonnie and Earl Olson
February 16, 2010
Jan, we are so very sad to hear that George has passed. Driving past your home we have been thinking of you two hearing that time was short for him. He was a dear man who's love of life was evident with all he was involved with. We will think of him- as we always do during hunting season. Please take a walk up the hill to say hello when you can. Let us know how we can help in any way. We are just around the corner. Bonnie and Earl
Marie Hayes
February 16, 2010
Dearest Jan, you and George are one of the greatest couples we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Your love and devotion to each other is an inspiration. Your wonderful memories will truly be a source of peace for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and George. Love, Marie and Dickie
Karen Festa
February 16, 2010
Dear Jan,
I am very sorry to hear of George's passing. He fought the good fight with you right by his side. You are both brave and courageous. I would like to be in contact with you.
I'm sure you remember my husband Brian, he often was in the Cancer center along with George receiving his chemo treatments. Brian passed away on February 1st.
Joanne Scarborough Gokey
February 16, 2010
Jan- So sorry to hear about George. Miss seeing you. I will always remember the years at BTS and your wedding. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Joanne Scarborough Gokey
Mary Nickerson
February 16, 2010
Dear Jan,
I really don't know what to say, I'm so truly sorry for you. I truly admire the love and respect the two of you showed for each other. I have so many funny memories of him that I will treasure forever.
Linda (Carnegie) Elliott
February 16, 2010
Jan, I am so shocked and sorry to hear about George. He was truly one of my first friends when I moved to Killington way back in 1977. And we would still have fun together, as my husband and I have Harley's. Go for that ride with his friends, and think about how much we all know he loved you! I have pics of us playing with Lexxie & the innertube next to my old house on River Road any many memories of you two, especially being in your wedding. I hope you contact me when you are able and I'll forward these many, many pictures to you. Take care. [email protected]
February 16, 2010
Jan, please accept our condolences for your loss. George touched many lives and will alway be remembered for his good humor and thoughtful acts of kindness. As Ellie is unable to put any thing in here herself, I am also including her in our message to you. George was like another son to her and she is surrounded in her home be his many acts of kindness and ingenuity to make her life so much easier. Know we are thinking of you and will be there at any time you need something, just give a quick call and we'll be there for you. Sandy and Bruce LaSante
marj kyhill
February 16, 2010
So sad to come to work today and hear about the passing of George. Barb told George's story and it sounds like he was at peace and very comfortable. Jan, you will always miss your soulmate, but you will find comfort, everyday in reliving the special times you both have always shared.
Our thoughts are with you during these difficult days.
Love Marj and Jerry
Barbara Thompson
February 16, 2010
George was one of the most gentle, kind, wonderful men I have had the good fortune to know. I shall miss him very much. My best to all the family. With love, Barbara
KC
February 16, 2010
Jan, So hard to put into words. Sorry to hear about George. He will be missed by many. The wonderful sense of humor and crazy jokes. His willingness to help. My thoughts are with you.
Geri & Win Adams
February 16, 2010
Jan, Our deepest sympathy in the loss of George. He wanted you to have a trike and enjoy your time on it. We have many girls including Bonnie that ride so give us a call when you want to join in. George would like that.
February 16, 2010
Jan,
so sorry to hear of your loss! thinking of you and your family!
Deb and Bob Bailey, Brandon
frances Elmore
February 16, 2010
George was one of the kindest, sweetest men I've ever known. He was wonderful at helping others. I loved his sense of humor and his beautiful smile. He could always make me laugh.
My heart goes out to Jan at her terrible loss.
Fran Elmore
Maggie Corey
February 16, 2010
Dear Jan,So sorry to read about George.
My most humble thoughts and prayers are
with you at this difficult time.Love,
Maggie Corey
Fran Elmore
February 16, 2010
George was one of the kindest, sweetest men I've ever known. He was wonderful at helping others. I loved his sense of humor and his beautiful smile. He could always make me laugh.
My heart goes out to Jan at her terrible loss.
Fran Elmore
February 16, 2010
The Red Knights, VT Chapter 3, extend our sincerest condolences to George's family. We will miss his unique sense of humor and the way he could light up a room with his smile and laughter. George loved life and we loved him.
Terri Laughlin
February 16, 2010
Jan, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. George was a wonderful man. There really aren't words to express what I feel for you, but please know that my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Sherrie/Louis LaFemina
February 16, 2010
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of our Dear friend George. Our hearts and prayers go to you Jan and to his family. God Bless you during this difficult walk. Our Love,hugs and prayers. Sherrie & Louis LaFemina and family xox+++JMJ
Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results
Make a Donation
in George Sotirakis's name
Memorial Events
for George Sotirakis
How to support George's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor George Sotirakis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
