George Sarantapoulos

     Our beloved father and grandfather, George “The Greek” Sarantapoulos, 85, of Binghamton, NY passed away on Friday, February 1, 2013, surrounded by his devoted family. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Bessie, and his brothers, John, Peter, Anthony, and William.    George is survived by his grandson and best buddy, Ryan Dixson, his children, Karen “Joyous” and Rich Dixson, Endicott, Tina and Dan Bucinell, Endicott, Paul “Jimmy” Sarantapoulos and Gloria Carpenter, Kirkwood, Jean and John Congdon, Chenango Bridge, George Sarantapoulos and Tami Shields, Conklin and son John and Nancy Sarantapoulos, Endicott.  He  leaves behind an additional 13 grandchildren, Johnny, Justin and Lauren, Kurt, Brittney, Nick, Daniel, Brandon, Alison, Matthew, Victoria, Lizzie, Rachel, Marisa, one great granddaughter, Kaylee, one great grandson due in May, ex-wife and friend Rosemarie, sister in law Geraldine, and several nieces and nephews.    George joined the US Navy at the age of 15. He was part of the Normandy Invasion piloting a LCU troop transport onto the beach and later served on the USS Boxer CV-21. After the Navy, George joined the US Marine Corps., becoming a Sergeant in the 1st Marine Division and continuing to proudly serve his country in The Korean War. He was a member of Local 7 Laborers Union, serving over 30 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, going to Chris’s Diner, sitting outside, and especially enjoyed time with his grandson, Ryan, every Saturday at Wendy’s.    Funeral services will be held 10:00 am, Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 214 Court Street, Binghamton with the Reverend Ilya Gotlinsky officiating. Interment will follow services in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. Family will receive friends at the DeMunn Funeral Home, 36 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton, Monday, February 4, 2013 from 2:00 until 4:00 pm and again from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. To forward condolences please visit www.demunnfh.com. We love you Dad and Grandpa! Semper Fi