George Zannakis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, at the age of 96. He was born on January 18, 1929, in Andros, Greece, one of seven siblings in a family that instilled in him a deep sense of faith, hard work, and devotion to loved ones.

    A lifelong chef, he began his culinary journey at a young age, mastering the flavors and traditions of Greek cuisine. His career took him across the world as a ship’s chef for various shipping companies, where he prepared meals for the crews aboard vessels that transported goods across international waters. His skill, dedication, and generous spirit earned him respect and friendship wherever he went.

    In February 1954, he married the love of his life, Maria Manesis, with whom he shared four decades of love and partnership until her passing in 1994. Together, they raised two incredible daughters, Kathryn Louloudis and Mary Patestas, teaching them the values of family, perseverance, love, and kindness.

    In 1969, he immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities, working in high-end restaurants in New York City to support his family. He brought with him the rich traditions of his homeland, his unshakable work ethic, and his love of cooking, which became a cornerstone of the family traditions he played such an influential part in.

    After the passing of his beloved wife Maria, he moved in with his daughter Kathryn and son-in-law George Louloudis, where he spent decades surrounded by love and family. He played an active role in raising his grandson Yanni, picking him up from school, teaching him Greek, and cooking his favorite food. Every evening, he prepared dinner for the family — a daily act of care that reflected his deep devotion and enduring love for those closest to him.

    Besides cooking for friends and family, he had a passion for gardening, spending time with the family dog Leo and his grandson's dog Ari, and drinking the occasional gin and tonic. 

    Through broken English, he was still able to connect on the deepest levels with those around him.

    He is predeceased by his wife, Maria, and his daughter Kathryn. He is survived by his daughter Mary and son-in-law Theo Patestas, his son-in-law George Louloudis, his three grandchildren Maria Patestas, Katie Rock, and Yanni Louloudis, and his two great-grandchildren Olivia and Michael Rock.

    He will be remembered for his warmth, humility, humor, and boundless generosity. His legacy of love, perseverance, and family devotion lives on through the meals he cooked, the values he instilled, the friendships he made, and the memories he created with all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη.

May his memory be eternal.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to the Connecticut Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

    Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, at 12 PM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, located at 4070 Park Avenue in Bridgeport. The family will welcome visitors in the church from 11 AM until the start of the service. The interment will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery. To view his full obituary, get travel directions, or sign his online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.