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George Kalfas
George A. Kalfas, Ph.D., 47, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 25, 2011, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, after a valiant battle against a fast-deteriorating disease.rnrnHe is survived by his beloved wife of thirteen years, Caroline (Waller) Kalfas; his children, Anastasios William (Tasos) 11, and Nikolaos Andrew (Nick) 9; his parents Anastasios and Chrysoula Kalfas of N. Michaniona, Greece; his sister, Theodosia Kalfa and her husband Stefanos Manganaris of Cincinnati, OH; his parents-in-law Earl and Anne Waller of Kinston, NC; his sisters-in-law Mary Waller of Raleigh, NC, and Billie Carmen and her husband Eugene Carmen of Wilmington, NC; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends in Greece, the United States, and countries worldwide.rnrnGeorge was born in N. Michaniona, Thessaloniki, Greece, and graduated second in his class from the Chemical Engineering Department at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He completed his Ph.D. (1992) in Chemical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. After returning to complete his service in the Greek Army, he came back to the United States to work for DuPont Research Labs in 1994. He continued with DuPont up to present to the position of Senior Research Associate.rnrnGeorge loved his family, work, and friends. He was an active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Wilmington, DE. He had a great laugh, liked Greek songs, and used to play the guitar. He treasured time spent with his loving wife and boys and will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure to have known him. rnrnA memorial service will be held at 7 pm Wednesday, April 27th, at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 140 Broad Street, Swedesboro, NJ, followed by a visitation at the Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, NC. The funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 808 North Broom Street, Wilmington, DE, on Thursday, April 28th, at 10 am. Burial will follow at Lake Park Cemetery in Swedesboro, NJ.rnrnAs a gift to the family, friends and colleagues are creating a trust fund for the Kalfas children’s education at PO Box 71, Swedesboro, NJ 08085.rn
45 Comments
To the friends and family of George:nnI retired from DuPont over 10 years ago, and remember George from there. Although I did not know him well, I remember a kind and gentle man. I am deeply saddened by your loss and wish to express my sincerest sympathy.nnBest regards,nnMike Piovoso
My heart and blessings are yours in this time of need. I never worked with George either at Marshall Lab or here at the Experimental Station, but at general meetings he struck me as a quiet, gentle person, but was also tuned in to what other people had to offer. He will be greatly missed. rn With Sympathy, Jane Brooks
George will be greatly missed by all but will always be remebered in our hearts, minds, and prayers. My deepest sympathies go out to his wife and children. rnrnSincerely,rnVince
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to George?s family. I have had the opportunity to work with George over the past year on a DuPont reactor project. The more interaction we had, the more I liked him. He was a brilliant engineer who was always pleasant to work with. He vast chemical polymer experience and hard work were not to be outdone by his love for his family, good nature and friendly smile. rnrnI was fortunate to have George over for dinner while he was on a training trip to Cleveland. Always one to be prepared, along with bringing wine and dessert, he had asked his son Nick for some age appropriate jokes he could share with our children.rnrnI hope and pray that your grief will give way to the inspiration that George was always able to provide in passion for living.rn
I have known George for close to 30 years from the wonderful summers I used to spend as a teenager, in Michaniona, Greece. George was an integral part of our mischievous group and always the voice of logic and reason. George?s intelligence and hard work took him to a trip similar to mine and from the beaches of Michaniona and Halkidiki, we transplanted our friendship to America. I was honored to attend his wedding to wonderful Caroline and also have his whole family come to my kids birthday party in Greece a couple of years ago. nGeorge, I will miss you and never forget you. nYour friend Effie
While I did not know George well, I knew him well enough to hold him in high regard. He was a thorough and strong engineer but also a steady, calm and kind person. I admired him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Caroline,rnWe are saddened by your loss. You and your sons are in our thoughts and prayers.rnyour Aunt Bonnie
A quiet, soft spoken man …… a brilliant and talented engineer …… taken from us much too soon. My most sincere condolences and prayers for his family, friends, and colleagues. George will be sorely missed …….. Jack Davin
Mary and I are deeply saddened by George’s passing. We are keeping Caroline, Tasos and Nick in our thoughts and prayers. Earl, Anne and Mary, our hearts are with you and George’s family.rnrn don
Dear Caroline,rnAll of us here are so saddened by your loss. We were lucky to have been George’s neighbor during our time in NJ and always admired and respected him. We also enjoyed some of his Greek cooking on the grill! Now I’m praying that Jesus holds you, Tasos, and Nick super tight in his arms, blanketing you with comfort and peace.
?Whom Gods love, die young.?nnGeorge was a great, kindly spoken and meek person, whom I do not recollect being angry or upset. He was one of the first persons who was invited and visited my house since we relocated to Wilmington from Boston in 1995. I still remember our first discussion about history, religion and politics with few friends in my house on 4th of July 1996. His sincerity and knowledge were impressive. nnGeorge and his family honored us with their presence in many family occasions and in particular at my son’s George graduation celebration in June 2010. He cared about his family welfare and the education of his two sons. His kindly smile passing by me, while escorting his two sons to the Sunday School of Holy Trinity is engraved in my memory for ever. nnHe was a great Hellene, a Hellene of principles and proud of his heritage, history and culture, and a proud and law abiding American citizen. As a previous co-director of the Holy trinity Greek School, I always knew and I was sure that George with his family would always be supporting every event of the Greek School, and the Annual Greek Independence Parade in Philadelphia. nnI did not have the chance to visit him at the hospital, but I was lucky enough to have talked to him on the phone. His mild voice, despite his illness anguish, still resonates in my ears. At least I feel lucky that in a way I was able to have told him “good bye my dear friend, I will miss you”. George left this world at the day of his name-day.nnWe express our deepest condolences to his wife Caroline, his two sons Tasos and Nick, and both his families in Greece and USA.nnMy family and I will miss him terribly.nnCostas, Audrey, George, Eirenee-Constantina Fountzoulas
… a great man to the core. George has always been a pleasure to work with. He demonstrated not only competency in his field of process control and reactor engineering, but he also knew how to work with people. He continued with patience to work toward a vision for the benefit of DuPont. rnrnGeorge will sorely be missed. – Karl
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this terrible time of loss. We are so sorry for your loss and we will pray that God will give you strength to endure and overcome this great sadness. God Bless you!
Dear Caroline, Tasos, and Nick,rnWe are so very sorry to hear of Georges passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.rnrnQuinn and Basil Ingemi and children
Caroline – my deepest sympathies go out to you and the boys. Goerge was a very genuine person and extremely well thought of. Please know that our family will help with anything your family may need during these times. Nick especially wanted to lend a friendly ear or shoulder to Tasos as he needs. God bless you. Bonnie
George, you will be missed by all who knew you. You were a special man and a dear member of our family. I don’t understand why you had to leave so early, but I accept God’s will. We will always have you in our hearts.
Dear George, it is so sad that the best among us leave this world so early. You were always there to help others and brighten the room with your smile. I was fortunate to have met you and later helped by you when I first arrived in the US. I am very sorry that we lost each other after Wisconsin. I will always cherish the memories from Thessaloniki, and of course from Wisconsin and the original Greek House in Madison. Aiwnia soy h mnhmh.rnrnDear Caroline, Taso, Nick and Theodosia, my sincere condolences for your loss. George was a friend, a brilliant engineer, and a wonderful person who will always be alive in the memories of those of us who were touched by him during the time he spent on this world.rnrn
Caroline,rnrnHaving met George only briefly, the spark in his eyes for you and his family was evidence of his deep love for you all. Having known you for many years, I know how lucky he was to have you in his life. You will remain in my heart and prayers in the coming days. We are here if there’s anything at all we can do. Sending my love,rnMary
Caroline, Tasos and NIck,nn You have our deepest sympathies. We miss him already and will always remember his warm smile and kind heart. A conversation with George would always leave you smiling, not only because George would be smiling but because he could present a well reasoned discussion on any current topic that integrated science, religion, philosophy, history and politics and somehow demonstrate a direct connection to Greek culture. George, you have left a hole in our hearts and a gap in our education. We will cherish all those memories.nnWith love and friendship from Alex, Joni, Allegra and Alyssa
Dear Caroline, Tasos, and Nick,nWe share in your sadness and pray our Lord will grant you peace and comfort. We will miss George’s gentle spirit and friendly smile. With love, The Helsel family.
Knowning George for more than 30 years I was honoured by his friendship.rnGentle, smart,with traditional principles, excellent in studies and work, with real political aspects and beliefs,real fighter of life,left little Greece for his American Dream.His best achievement was his family who loved so much.rnMy friend is real difficult to say coodbye.rnBon Voyage.
To a fine colleague and a wonderful man.rnI learned to know George as a technical expert but also as a fine, warm and intelligent person who loved his family and cared for people. I personally will never forget his support and sympathy when I experienced a very difficult time after my son’s accident 6 years ago. George will be missed but he will stay in our heart.rnMy thoughts and prayers are with George’s family in this very difficult period.
Kalo taksidi Giwrgo! I will always cherish the memories from Thessaloniki, the “afisokoliseis” at the university and your passion for excellence. My thoughts and prayers with the family, especially his boys that will be deprived from such a great role model.
IN AUTUMN OF 1985 I MET IN THESSALONIKI MY ELDER BROTHER.rnI WAS STUDYING LAW AND HE CHEMISTRY.rnMANY TIMES WE STUDIED TOGETHER FOR BOTH OUR INIVERSITIES AND..POLITICS.rnOUR COMMON WEAKNESS…rnWE WERE ORGANISED IN THE SAME POLITICAL PARTY.YOU WERE IN CHARGE OF IDEOLOGICAL ENLIGHTMENT AND I MEMBER OF COUNCIL.rnEVENTS,EXCURSIONS,PARTIES,TALKS,FOUR YEARS TOGETHER.WHEN YOU RECEIVED YOUR SCHOLARSHIP YOU LEFT FOR THE STATES.HAPPY YOU FOLLEWED YOUR DREAM.rnPERSISTENCE,PATIENCE,FAITH,HONESTY,LOVE FOR OUR COUNTRY AND FAMILY,LAUGHTER.rnOUR FRIENDSHIP WAS BUILT ON THESE.rnCONSTANT,CLEAN AND SILENT FRIENDSHIP,OVER THE YEARS.rnrnASPA AND ANDREAS WILL ALWAYS BE THINKING OF YOU HOPING YOU DO THE SAME FOR US, FRIEND….rn
I met George at AIChE Conferences. He had a warm and engaging personality.nMy deepest sympathy to his wife and young kids.
I met George as a teenager, hard worker since his youth, brilliant mind, ambitious and with a very quiet nature. I want to express my sincere grief to his family. Kalo taxidi YiorgonnDespina
Caroline, please know that my heart and prayers go out to you, your boys and the rest of your family during this difficult time. Prayerfully, Gina Cruz Walker
Demetre and I were deeply saddened by the news of George?s passing. I was a classmate of George at the University of Thessaloniki. George was a special person who, in addition to being very bright and hard-working, had a strong presence in the student political body. Contrary to most students, George had clear views, which he expressed in his usual calmness and with well-articulated arguments. He was always ready to discuss his views, local or world news, a book, or a good movie. I fondly remember the group get-togethers, late coffees, even our night expeditions for putting up posters on the walls of the University! Although the past few years we did not see each other in person, we kept in touch through Caroline?s Christmas letters and his kin in Greece (especially his uncle Niko, who was so proud of him and his family). Our thoughts and prayers are with Caroline, Taso, Nick, Theodosia, and his parents. George will always live in our memories.rnrnLena Patsidou-Economou
I first met George in one of those rowdy student union general meetings. In a room filled with noisy bickering, he stood out by being the voice of reason: calm, logical, and respectful of his political opponents. I didn’t see him very often, but I always felt him to be a good friend, one I could rely upon. If he had any flaws, I have not found them. He was honest, intelligent, caring, kind, warm. It’s a great loss to all of us, and also to the little country he left behind but cared so much about. A country that would have been in much better shape if people like George had the upper hand. Needless to say how sad I am. I express my deepest sympathies to Caroline, Taso and Nick, his parents, Theodosia and her family.
Dear Mrs. Kalfas and family,nnWe were sorry to hear about your loss and would like to send our condolences. We met George while my husband Raymond was doing his Masters degree with Prof. Ray at UW-Madison, WI. I worked with Prof. Ray for one year doing some research. We had the privilege of sharing and spending time with George before he finished his PhD. I remembered how helpful and kind he was to me while I worked there and how he always took time to explain things. I also remembered his good sense of humor and how he was always smiling. We kept in touch for a few years after he left Madison, but we lost contact afterwards. Judy Lewison, Prof. Ray?s secretary, told me the sad news yesterday. We will keep him and your family in our prayers. We know that he is in a much better place right now, enjoying all the rewards our Heavenly Father had for him, specially His peace and love. We will offer a Mass for the repose of George’s soul at our parish here in TN.nnPeace,nnRaymond and Lillian IsaacnJohnson City, TN
Dearest Caroline,nWe are devastated by the sadden loss of our beloved George. We cannot even beginn to imagine the pain of losing your loving husband. George was a truly kind and gentle soul, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and your two lovely boys during this time and always keep you safe.nWith all our love and deepest sympathy,nnChris and Georgia GiannakitizidisnThessalonikinn
I always enjoyed working with George. His kindness and sense of humor was always welcome and refreshing.
We send our deepest condolences and will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.rn
Dear Caroline, Tasos, and Nick,nnWe’re so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I will always remember how much he supported your love of music and attended your many concerts and recitals. Our best to you in this tough time.
I first met George at a student general assembly. Later, we continued our discussions at professional meetings. George was a humble, intelligent, honest, and very kind person. My deepest sympathy to his family in this very difficult time.
Caroline,rnI’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Joni shared George’s passing with our book members (your old book club)yesterday. Please know my thoughts are with you and your family and that you are not alone. Wishing you strength and peace as you work through your grief.rnrnDonna Cowan
Dearest Caroline,nnI just received the sad news of George’s passing. nPlease accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. I have fond memories of times spent in your home in Greenville, NC for book club meetings. Your home was filled with the warmth of George’s and your happy spirit and love. George had the most beautiful, endearing smile. His continued loving attentiveness to you as you both joyfully anticipated the birth of Tasos and Nick, and his devoted committment to his family were exemplary. Caroline, please be assured of my continued prayers for your dear husband’s soul, released into the Kingdom of Glory; for his precious gems — Tasos, Nick and yourself. May precious memories of George’s love for each one of you sustain and comfort you at this most difficult time. nWarmest regards from Ekua & family
My deepest condolences to his family.rnWe were close friends in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.rnrn
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I express my condolence. I pray George stands on the right hand of God.n nPanagiotis FahantidisnMs Chemical EngineernThessaloniki
Hi Caroline,rnThis is Jackie Pitt from Holy Spirit in Kinston.I just heard about George passing today.Your mom stopped me @Miss Cavanaugh service today and told me. We don’t see each other much because I go to church on Sun and she goes on Sat.I would sincerely like to express my condolences and send my prayers and love to you,the kids and the rest of George’s family.I know it has been some months but still wanted you to know I care.George was a great fiend of mine when we worked in the same group at DuPont. We always joked about how great it was that he fell in love and married my Kinston homegirl/church member.He had a beautiful smile and it lit up when he talked about you.When the kids were born and you’ll would come home to visit his smile was even brighter.Your faith and George’s love and smile will always allow his spirit to be with you. love and prayers always, Jackie
Yesterday, I was informed about George’s death from a common friend and I was shocked.We shared -as students-for a long time our political thoughts in the party of New Democracy from 1981 till 1993-94.He is an “axios“ man(in Greek means very talented).I am sure that everybody who knows George will never forget him.Courage for his family.Thouli Parasoglou,Lawyer, Thessaloniki,Greece
Adieu mon ami