Obituary of Father George H. Dounelis
Fr. George H. Dounelis, age 67, fell asleep in the Lord on June 28th in Matawan, NJ after an 11 year battle with breast cancer. He was predeceased by his parents Harry and Rita Dounelis, his in-laws Thomas and Jean Phuros and his brother John. He is survived by his wife Kathryn, his daughter Gina Michelle, his son Athas George and his beloved grandson and buddy George James, as well as his many relatives and friends. He was born in Mineola, NY on July 31, 1947 to Harry J. and Rita Dounelis. He lived in Hicksvile NY, before attending Seminary and in Flushing NY and Madison WI, before settling in Aberdeen NJ where he lived for the last 35 years. He attended Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville NY and graduated from there in 1966. He later attended Franklin Pierce College in Ringe, New Hampshire before attending Hellenic College in Brookline Massachusetts, where he received a BA in Liberal Arts. In 1973 he graduated from Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, receiving a Masters of Divinity. On June 10, 1973 he married Kathryn Phuros. In July he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate at the Ionian Village in Greece by his Grace Bishop Theodosius, and in September of that year was ordained into the Holy Priesthood at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Flushing, NY by His Grace Bishop Melois. He served the parish there for 2 years before being assigned to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Madison, Wisconsin. In July 1979 his daughter Gina Michelle was born. In April 1980 he was assigned to Kimisis Tis Theotokou in Holmdel, NJ and in August of 1984 his son Athas George was born. He served the parish and the community for 35 years until 2013. He dedicated his life to the community and opened his heart to all without question or hesitation. He was involved in the Bayshore Ministerium and served as its president for many years. He was a member of the Maroon and Steel Booster Club at Matawan High School for many years serving as its president and the Chief Grill Master for all Football games. He also volunteered to cook for team breakfasts and summer camp where he enjoyed interacting with the students. He was affectionately known as Daddy D. to the team and often led them in prayer at team dinners. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2:00 to 9:00PM at Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church 20 Hillcrest Road, Holmdel. On Thursday Orthros will be at 8:00AM, the Divine Liturgy will be at 9:00AM, and the Funeral Service will follow at 10:00AM. Interment will be in Pinelawn Memorial Park, Pinelawn, NY. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Holmdel Funeral Home, Holmdel, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations for the education of Fr. George's Beloved grandson, George James Dounelis, can be made payable to Kathryn Dounelis for the benefit of George James Dounelis.
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