In the words of George “I don’t want anyone crying and wailing, like Greek ladies watching a drama, or people feeling sorry for me. Stay alert, keep on truckin’, and say the Jesus prayer… at least 100 times.”

Never one to say “No” to an adventure, George H. Galouzis, age 75, of Crown Point, IN, took his final breath on Tuesday, January 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and children. He is now embarking on an even greater adventure to Paradise – a Paradise – filled with every luscious fruit tree and beach his humble heart could imagine, where he can dance the night away to Vasilis Karras, sing as loud as he wants to Roy Orbison, and finally find the perfect coconuts to carve that giant chess set he always wanted. Life with George was never dull and his presence always evoked laughter. He had many layers and with each you found a unique and humbling perspective, or a fascinating story. A lover of a good debate, unique facts, and idioms that he often mixed up (or made up), George was known to “poke the bear” in an attempt to “light a fire” and provoke critical thinking in every friend or customer he encountered – often leaving them scratching their head in confusion. He had a way with words and could talk you into thinking the sky was purple. George was famous for his obsession with fresh fruit. If you walked into his shop in the summer you’d “bet your bottom nickel” you’d be walking out with a handful of whatever seasonal fruit he drove hours to pick fresh. The simplest pleasures in life brought him great joy. He was unapologetically George; quickly pointing out if a word had Greek roots (because they all do), never had a cellphone or a credit card, looking at the sun to tell time or making sundials in the sand instead of wearing a watch. He loved reading, drawing, playing soccer, watching westerns, and instructing anyone and everyone on how to get his perfect tan while laying in the fetal position.

He was a good man. A loyal man. A strong, selfless, humble, dedicated, God-fearing man, who would give the shirt off his back to anyone, without question, and we will miss him immensely. However, we will persevere, because that’s what he taught us. In George’s final days, he kept referencing Saint Peter and would constantly tell us “stay alert”. At the time we were confused, but now we know, Dad, and we just want to thank you. Thank you for our faith, thank you for the memories, and thank you for our family. “Be alert, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Jesus Christ, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Peter 5:8-10).

George is survived by his wife, Sandra Galouzis; children: Rebecca (Adam) Lahman, Haralambos ” Robert” (Gabrielle) Galouzis and Mary (David) Rendina; grandchildren: Stassi, Chloe and George; mother, Maria Galouzis, brother, Tom Galouzis; sisters: Nike Zairis and Elaine Papadakis.

George was preceded in death by his father: Haralambos Galouzis.

George completed his Bachelors degree in Architectural Engineering at Purdue University and designed a number of houses and businesses around the U.S., drafted by hand (none of this modern day computer stuff). He was the owner and operator of Exhaust Masters Dyer for 35 years, a U. S. Army Veteran, and a member of Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Friends may visit with the family on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison St. Merrillville, IN 46410 from 9:30 AM until the time of Funeral Service at 10:00 AM with Fr. Dimitri Burikas and Fr. Jim Greanias officiating.

Burial to follow at Maplewood Memorial Cemetery in Crown Point, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made in George’s name to the Helping Hands Fund at Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, https://ssconstantineandhelen.square.site/donate.

Visit George’s online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com 219-663-2500