George Carantza
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George Carantza passed away on December 28, 2018.
George was born on August 19, 1930 in Jacksonville, Florida. After a traumatic birth, he was baptized in the air (without water) moments later by Bishop Aimilianos, with his godfather, the late George Poulos, present. George was one of five children born to Peter and Athena Carantza and grew up in the Springfield and St. Nicholas areas of Jacksonville. He graduated from Andrew Jackson High School.
Following graduation, George served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955. While stationed in Saratoga Springs, New York he met Lee (Kalliope) Andreadakis and they were married in April 1953. They would have celebrated 66 years of marriage in April 2019. Following his daughter Paula's birth, he returned to Jacksonville in 1955. Two years later, his son Peter was born.
George enjoyed a 30 plus year career in structural steel drafting in Jacksonville with Aetna Steel Company. He eventually attained the position of chief draftsman, and supervised many draftsmen. Upon his retirement, he worked with his koumbaro, the late Elias Georgallis, at Elias Jewelry for many years.
George was a long-time member of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church where he served in multiple capacities, including as an altar boy, AHEPA member and GOYA president. Through his involvement at St. John the Divine, he served on the founding committee for the purchase and development of St. Photios Shrine in St. Augustine, Florida.
George was a devoted family man and a friend to all. A quiet man, he loved people and developed many lasting friendships during his lifetime.
George was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and a brother (Callie, Sophie, and Ted).
He is survived by his wife Lee, daughter Paula (Gus) Del Rio and son Peter (Betty); four grandchildren Alex Carantza, Jessica (Nick) Stevenson, LeeAnn Del Rio, and Christopher Del Rio; three great grandchildren, Leonidas, Nicholas and Penelope; brother Gus (Betsy) Carantza; first cousin Kay Carantzas and family; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Trisagion and funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 10 a.m. at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, 3850 Atlantic Blvd., with the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Louh and the Rev. Dr. Milton Magos officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd.
Memorial donations may be made to the Capital Campaign Building Fund at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church. Please Sign the guestbook at www.GreenlawnJacksonville.com
HARDAGE-GIDDENS, Greenlawn Chapel, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. 32207 is serving the family.