George Kareotes

George P. Kareotes, 88, of Decatur, IL, passed away on December 16, 2013. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, December 19, 2013, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, with no Trisagion service. Private Funeral Services will be accorded and burial will be at Fairlawn Cemetery. Mr. Kareotes was born in Decatur, IL on March 12, 1925, son of Dena and Peter G. Kareotes. He married Bessie G. Bacopulos on January 29, 1950 in Decatur, IL. In March 1933 his parents wanted to take George (age 8) and brother Milton (age 4) to Greece to meet their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. George graduated from high school in Nemea, Corinth, Greece. They were unable to return to America since World War II was declared and the Germans invaded Greece. In 1945 they were able to return back to America. Mr. Kareotes attended Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Decatur, IL. He served on the church council from 1950 to 1960. He was employed at the Wabash Railroad for 9 years and was a Decatur City Firefighter for 31 years retiring in 1986. He was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Firefighters Local 505, Railroad Retirees Association of Decatur, IL and the Illinois Association of Retired Firefighters, and was an excellent gardener and landscaper. Surviving are two sons Peter G. of Decatur, IL and Gregory G. (wife Stephanie) of Morton, IL; 3 granddaughters and 2 great grandsons. He was preceded in death by his wife, brother, parents, and one son. Since November 2011, Mr. Kareotes lived at Hickory Point Christian Village. His sons want to thank their staff for the professionalism and courtesy they showed towards their Father. The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 570 N. Union St., Decatur, IL 62522. Mr. Kareotes great sense of humor and love will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace. "
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