The Goulburn Greek Community is mourning the loss of another of its community elders, George Stamatellis, who peacefully passed away on January 9.
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George was born in Greece on the island of Lesvos in 1932, and like many of his generation had a hard time of it as a child; World War Two followed by civil war, hunger, limited educational opportunities and political strife all helped to mould the man who he was to become.
He met and married Constantina (Dina) Malomitou in 1958. In 1963 he made the painful decision to emigrate to Australia, leaving his son Christopher and a heavily pregnant Dina (carrying Paul) in Greece.
He arrived at Circular Quay on November 22, 1963 and was greeted by his brother, Dennis, who quickly informed him of JFK's assassination. An auspicious start to a new life in a new country.
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George started his working life at the Luxor Cafe in West Wyalong. It was here he developed his love for cooking. He worked at many of the regional cafes in the area, while sending money home to support his young family. In 1966 he moved to Goulburn where his wife and young family joined him.
It was there he met the late Angelo Zantis who asked him if he had found a job. George replied he had three offers and Angelo asked where they were so he could advise him on the best option. George replied he had accepted all three. This was typical of George's work ethic; he left a job as a railway ganger because there was 'too much sitting around and not enough work.'
George purchased his first business the Blue Dolphin Fish Shop in 1967 which was located at the former John Craig Furniture One site in Auburn Street.
In 1968 his third son, Phillip, was born, and in 1971, in partnership with his brother Dennis, he purchased the Radnor Café (the current Park Café).
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This cafe became an institution in its own right and many Goulburn residents have fond memories of its cool varnished tables and booths. It was here that many of his regulars got to try Greek food for the first time.
He sold the cafe in 1984 but semi-retirement didn't suit George well and in 1988 he supported his sons and brother Dennis in opening Danny's Brasserie.
He worked tirelessly by their sides, including its expansion into the Goulburn Workers Club until his retirement at the age of seventy-four.
George, even in retirement, seemed to have a never-ending pool of energy, much of it taken up looking after an ill Dina.
After her passing in 2014 he took the opportunity to reconnect with his sister and family in Greece and made three extended trips before his health began to fail him.
George will be missed by his sons, Chris, Paul, Phillip, daughter in laws Kim and Janene, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He will also be missed by his remaining siblings Dennis (Goulburn) and Maritsa (Lesvos Greece).
His family legacy meant a life well lived regardless of the hardships he endured.
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