George C. Manos

We celebrate a life well lived. Born in New London to Christos and Theresa Manos, he grew up in an historic home on Broad Street which was the center of family gatherings. He was the younger brother of Lucretia (Ruddy), who predeceased him in 2020. George graduated from New London High School , received his BS from American International College in Springfield, Mass., his Masters in Education from the University of Hartford, and a 6th Year from Southern CT State University in New Haven.

A lifelong love of music was originally influenced by his sister Lu, who was an accomplished organist and pianist, and by family who sang in the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church choir. As a young man, he sang barbershop with the New London Sea Notes as well as the church choir. Music always filled the house and family always joked of how many notes it would take to name that tune. George had an extensive knowledge of classical music, but also loved Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett, among others.

As a young man, he served honorably in the U.S. Army, which offered him the opportunity to travel. His favorite place was Ocean Beach, which attracted visiting cousins from Pittsburgh and Long Island. As a young man, he worked at Waterford Beach as a lifeguard, and he was proud this past year when his eldest grandson also became a lifeguard.

George was married to Olga, his wife and best friend for 56 years. They welcomed a daughter, Christina and took pride in her accomplishments and love of music. George loved spending time at the family summer home in the Catskill Mountains, and enjoying their condo in Myrtle Beach. He enjoyed playing tennis and racquetball until he was no longer able to pick up the ball. He enjoyed watching sports – particularly tennis and the NY Football Giants.

George taught history at New London High School for 33 years. After retirement, he would get together with retired Whaler teachers for monthly breakfasts. A history buff, he loved travelling to battle sites, museums and archaeological sites in the United States and Europe, particularly Greece. He also enjoyed travelling to US national parks as well as the Canadian Rockies.

He was a longtime patron of the Metropolitan Opera and supported many NY and CT arts organizations over the years – favorites included The Ivoryton Playhouse, The ECSO, The Garde, the Jorgensen Auditorium, and the FloGris Museum. Weekends were often spent in New York City in line at TKTS to see the latest Broadway shows and buying music at Tower Records.

He was a proud uncle to John Ruddy, always an avid reader of his work, and looked forward to get-togethers with niece Karen and John Foley, often reminiscing about family history and discussing local news. He had a large extended family and many cousins throughout the area.

Besides his wife Olga, he is survived by daughter Christina and George Papadopoulos and their three children Ian, Zoe, and Wil of Westchester, NY. A quiet and humble man, he took pride in watching his grandchildren grow and excel in academics, Lego events, and sports.

Funeral services and internment in New York will be private. A memorial service at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cathedral in New York will be held at a later date.

Donations may be offered in George's name to an arts organization of the donor's choice.