George was born September 22, 1933 in Kansas City, Mo., the eldest son of Marinos and Stavroula Stathopoulos, both of whom immigrated to the United States from Greece. After graduating from Central Missouri State College, George spent his career as a teacher at Odessa, Ruskin, and Hickman Mills High Schools, where he left a lasting impression on many students’ lives, many of whom stayed close with him over the decades. Affectionately known as “Mr. Stathos,” George also coached many successful high school tennis teams in addition to educating students on the finer points of world history—with the occasional prank or two thrown at unsuspecting (and perhaps, gullible) young minds.
During his summers away from the classroom, George could often be found in the parking lots of Kauffman Stadium directing traffic while his wife Chris worked in the Royals front office leading media credentialing. After retiring from teaching, George found a second career as a travel agent in addition to volunteering hundreds of hours at Menorah Medical Center and spending many days as a “manny” to his great nieces and nephew. George was also active for many years in the choir at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.
George cared deeply for his family, especially his wife, son, and grandson. He and Chris enjoyed dozens of memorable journeys around the world together and annual trips to Royals Spring Training in Florida and later Arizona. With his son Mike, George would promptly procure a report of Mike’s weekly bowling league scores. He constantly reminded his grandson Christopher, nicknamed “The Snooks,” that he was his “favorite grandchild.” Later in his life, however, George would actually gain another grandchild when Christopher married Michelle, who became his favorite companion for watching Chiefs games.
For those that knew him, George will be remembered for his charming personality, quick wit, and genuine love of people. His loss will be felt deeply, but his legacy will go on in every relationship he nurtured over his nearly nine decades of life.
George was preceded in death by his parents as well as his sister, Dr. Sophia Fotopoulos. He leaves Chris, his wife of 55 years, son Mike Stathopoulos (Travis Haines), grandson Christopher (Michelle) Stathopoulos, stepgrandson Lukaas Haines, brothers John (Vinita) and Frank (Sharon) Stathopoulos, nieces Victoria (Sid) Ambort and Staci (Bill) Elliott, nephews John (Angie) Stathopoulos and Nick Peppes, great nieces Anna (Yianni) Vrentas and Kalli Elliott, and great nephews Elliot Ambort, Jake and Grant Stathopoulos, and Nick Elliott.
Friends and loved ones may visit at 11:00am on Monday, November 22, 2021, at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home (10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO, 64131). A private funeral service and burial will follow at noon.
The family wishes to extend its thanks to the caring staff at Sunrise of Leawood as well as Ascend Hospice for their kindness and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
