GEORGE TSAKIRIS E. Rochester, NH---George Tsakiris, 91, passed away on Jan. 19, 2012, at the VA Home in Tilton, NH after a period of declining health. He was born on August 30, 1920 in Boston, MA, the son of Nicholas and Maria (Orpharius) Tsakiris. He was raised and educated in Cambridge, MA. He worked as a waiter and chef in the Boston area prior to his enlistment in the US Army on January 16, 1941. He was assigned to the infantry, attaining the rank of private, proudly serving his country as a surgical technician, earning the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal. After WWII, George moved to Laconia, NH and assisted his father and brother in running the Blue Willow Restaurant there for a few years. He later moved to Somersworth, NH and began working in construction, eventually finding a career of many years with Zoppo Construction out of Massachusetts. When a car accident forced him to end his construction career, he began oil painting, established the GT Art Studio and became an accomplished artist, winning many awards, and later became a teacher of art. George's greatest accomplishment in life was his family and his greatest joy was always found in their company. George is survived by his wife of 49 years, Laurette (LaFrance)Tsakiris, his brother, Peter Tsakiris and wife Jennie, children Nicholas Tsakiris, Diana St. Laurent and husband Roderick, George Tsakiris and wife Anitra, Dennis Tsakiris and wife Donna , Roberta Roberts, and step-children Terry Grower, Melanie Hughes and husband Dana, Tori Nichols and husband Wayne; a special relative, Aloha Cameron, brother-in-law Arthur Trahan, and a special neighbor, Walter 'Butch' Taylor, Jr.; 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Nicholas and Maria Tsakiris, a sister, Ann Tatakes and her husband James, and his daughter-in-law Sally Tsakiris. Papou, we all love you and will always miss you. Relatives and friends may call Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the Bernier Funeral Home 49 South St. Somersworth. Funeral Services will be Monday at 11am in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 93 Locust Street Dover, NH 03820 Burial will be in the Annunciation Cemetery, Somersworth. The family wishes to thank all the wonderful 'angels' of the Veterans Home in Tilton who cared for George during his residency there and also a salute to his fellow veterans who befriended George. Thank you, and God Bless America! In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of George Tsakiris may be sent to the New Hampshire Veteran s Home 139, Residents Fund, Winter Street Tilton, NH 03276-5415. Arrangements are entrusted to the Bernier Funeral Home, Somersworth.