George Chrisafis

George Chrisafis was born on January 7, 1932, in the village of Komitata in the municipality of Erissos, Kefalonia, Greece. His parents, Panagioti Chrisafis and Asinoi Koutsamostis Chrisafis, had four sons: Gerasimos, Theotokis, Bobby, and George, the youngest. At the age of 13, George left Kefalonia to seek work in Athens, where he supported himself and sent money home to his mother, visiting each August. It was on one of these visits that he fell in love with Vaso.

George served in the Greek Navy and married Vasiliki (Vaso) Ferentinos on August 25, 1953, in their home village of Komitata. Their wedding took place in front of their home church, which had been demolished by the largest earthquake in Kefalonia’s history just 13 days earlier. After the wedding, George brought his new wife, along with both their families and close friends, back to Athens to escape the devastation caused by the earthquake. Together, George and Vaso had two children: their daughter, Panagiota, and their late son, Michael.

In 1967, George brought his family to the United States. They traveled across the Atlantic by ship and first set foot in Coney Island, New York. After a short time in Virginia, the family settled in Maryland, where George became the chef at Capri Restaurant in Wheaton, MD, opening several other restaurants in Washington, DC, for the same owners. He worked at Capri for over 30 years, ending his career at Nick’s Diner in Wheaton, MD, owned by family friends.

George adored his wife, Vaso, the love of his life, with whom he shared more than 60 wedding anniversaries. He was a devoted father, always willing to make sacrifices for his children. He once traveled by sea for 14 days to provide his daughter with the best medical care for her open heart surgery when she was just nine years old. He was also a steadfast support for his son, Michael, whether it was a football game, life opportunities, or being with him every day and night for over 24 months during his battle with cancer. George warmly welcomed his four grandchildren and their spouses, offering them food, attention, and a seat by his side. He was fortunate to witness all four of his grandchildren’s weddings and to be a great-grandfather to seven boys and one girl.

George’s siblings, their in-laws, and extended family were an important part of his life, and he watched his once-small family from Greece grow to over 100 people in the United States. He was a family man who enjoyed spending time with loved ones, good wine, and great food, and he became a dedicated fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

An extremely hard worker, George held multiple jobs a day in Athens. He worked at the Postmaster General’s office, several restaurants, and for Vradini, a Greek newspaper, until he migrated to the United States at the age of 35. In the U.S., he immediately entered the restaurant business as a chef and continued until the age of 81. For years, he prepared the deli every morning for the renowned Marchone’s Deli in Wheaton (now Filippo’s), slicing meats and cheeses from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. before starting a 12-hour shift at Capri. After retiring, he worked at Nick’s Diner and cleaned offices in the building that had once housed Capri. He was always grateful for every opportunity to work.

George was widowed in 2012 when his beloved Vaso passed away. He lost his son, Michael, in 2015. His daughter, Panagiota, cared for him tirelessly, ensuring he was never alone. From grocery trips and doctor appointments to transportation and companionship, she was by his side through his final days.

George is survived by his daughter, Panagiota Chrisafis; three granddaughters and one grandson, and their spouses (Irene Retzos and Demetrios Retzos, Erica Wakeland and Kyle Wakeland, Jessica Fouche and Brandon Fouche, and Kosta Dionisopoulos and Marina Dionisopoulos); seven great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter (Angelo Retzos, William Retzos, Nikolas Retzos, Alexander Fouche, Isaac Fouche, Vasilios Dionisopoulos, Theodore Dionisopoulos, and Alessi Wakeland); as well as dozens of nieces and nephews around the world.

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