It is with sadness but also with hope in the Resurrection that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announces the Falling Asleep in the Lord of Mr. George Theodore Stratigos, a life-long resident of Sausalito, California, who passed away unexpectedly on January 13, 2017 at the age of 55. George was a devoted steward of the Metropolis of San Francisco who offered his leadership for several aspects of youth and young adult ministry during some very formative years of these programs.
“I have known George for many years and he was always eager and willing to help. His life was devoted in service to his church and community, offering solid leadership and vision, especially in the area of youth ministry,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “From a young age, George stood out among his peers, and brought energy, enthusiasm, and excellence to all his work. I pray that the Lord will grant eternal rest to his soul, along with peace and comfort to his family and all those who mourn his passing.”
A graduate of San Francisco State University with a Masters Degree in Business Administration, George will be fondly remembered for his public service and dedication to the church. George served as the Director of Saint Nicholas Ranch Summer Camp, developing a strong foundation for this program which still remains a cornerstone ministry of the Metropolis today. George also served as the Youth Director for the Diocese of San Francisco in the 1980’s and was an active leader of the Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese. He continued to serve the church in more recent years as a Trustee of the Saint Photios National Shrine in Saint Augustine, Florida.
George also served on the Sausalito City Council, as a board member of the Sausalito School District, and most recently enjoyed a career in real estate. George impacted many people in his life through his generosity, philanthropy, contagious smile, gregarious personality and laughter. The communities of Souvala, Aegina-Greece, Tonga, Maui, and Cleveland especially remember him as he spent much time there. He created community and good fellowship with an effortless ability to forge immediate and lasting connections. He gave of himself making everyone feel special and important. These unconditional acts required nothing in return. His compass always was set on serving others, opening doors and building bridges.
George was very devoted to his family and was preceded in death by his loving parents, Theodore and Helen. He is survived by his cherished brothers and sisters in-law, John and his wife Lilika, along with their children Theo, Eleni and Demetri; and Spiro and his wife Mary Kay, along with their children Niko and Sophia, along with extended family and cherished friends throughout the world.
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos will preside at the Trisagion Service on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 20, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. All services will be held at Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, 1110 Highland Drive, Novato, CA 94949. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Nativity of Christ Church in memory of George Stratigos.
May his memory be eternal!