George LEONAKIS

30 JAN 1939 - 6 SEP 2010

• BIRTH: 30 JAN 1939, Gary, Lake, IN
• DEATH: 6 SEP 2010, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: 13 JAN 1963, Savannah, GA

INDEX

[N17067] George O. Leonakis
January 30, 1939
Gary, Lake, IN
September 6, 2010
South Bend, IN

George Otto Leonakis, 71, of South Bend died at 4:44 a.m. Monday, September 6, 2010 in his home surrounded by his loving family. George was born January 30, 1939 in Gary, IN to Phyllis (Kallimani) and the late Otto G. Leonakis and lived most of his life in the South Bend, Elkhart area. On January 13, 1963 in Savannah, GA he married Catherine Harritos who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Maria Strafford (Chris) of Granger, IN, Filio Riber (Sam) of Cincinnati, OH, and Stephanie Holland (Steve) of Granger; nine grandchildren, Lexi, Nick, Kristina, and Alaina Strafford, Sam, Nina, and Evie Riber, and Alec and Mia Holland; his mother, Phyllis Leonakis of South Bend; and a brother, Thomas O. Leonakis (Deb) of South Bend. He was preceded in death by his father in 1979 and a brother, Kris O. Leonakis in 1993. In 1957 he graduated from Washington-Clay High School in South Bend. He earned four varsity letters in basketball and was most valuable player and captain for the Colonials as a senior. He lettered in football as well, playing quarterback. He attended Western Michigan University in 1957 and 1958. His college was interrupted when he enlisted in the US Marines for whom he served from 1958 until 1961. After marrying Catherine in 1963 he returned to Western Michigan and earned his undergraduate degree in 1965. He later received his Masters Degree as well. George taught math at Monroe Junior High School in South Bend, beginning in 1965 and also coached the basketball and football teams. He went on to coach at South Bend Central High School, initially as an assistant football and J.V. basketball coach. He became head basketball coach for the 1969-70 season, which was the final season at South Bend Central. After Central closed as a high school he taught and was head basketball coach for the South Bend LaSalle Lions. In 1974 he became head basketball coach at Elkhart Central High School where he also taught accounting and business classes. During his career at Elkhart Central he led the Blue Blazers to the 1978 Indiana State Finals while posting a 25-4 record that season. Following his years at Elkhart Central he, along with his brother Tom, took over Roseland Garden Center, a family business owned since 1946 by their father Otto. He then continued his love of coaching with positions at South Bend Adams, IUSB, and Southwestern Michigan College while continuing to operate Roseland Garden Center with his brother. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 10th in St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 52455 Ironwood Rd. with Rev. George Konstantopoulos officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. today, September 9th in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Rd. where a Trisagion service will be held at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 52455 Ironwood Rd., South Bend, IN, 46635. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com. Charitable donations may be made in George's memory to the following organization:
Saint Andrews Greek Orthodox Church
52455 N. Ironwood Dr., South Bend, IN