George Kaounis, 84, of New Port Richey, Florida, died on Saturday, June 17, 2017, after a two-year battle with cancer, next to his loving daughters in the comfort of his own home. Born in the port city of Piraeus, Greece, August 15, 1932, George grew up with an affinity for the water. As a teenager, he joined the Merchant Marines of Greece and his travels brought him to the United States, where he came to live with his older sister, Efthimia, in Newark, NJ in the late 1940s. At a church dance, he was introduced to the love of his life, Henrietta; they married and raised their four children in Carlstadt, NJ and were members of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, in Clifton, NJ.

George worked as a foreman for Schiavone Construction Company for 40 years, building bridges and highways all along the east coast. He was a meticulous carpenter, an artist with concrete, and his skill was only matched by his fervent work ethic. After retirement in 1994, George moved to New Port Richey, Florida, where he spent many years living on the water, cooking for the Greek festivals of Holy Trinity Church in Clearwater, FL, and enjoying all the benefits of a small Greek community. All those who knew him, affectionately called him Captain George, as he was most content sailing his boat and fishing on the open seas of the Gulf of Mexico and the coastal waterways of Florida. He will fondly be remembered for his zest for life, his ability to fix anything with his own two hands, and his generous spirit.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Henrietta Printz Kaounis, who died in 1990. He was also predeceased by his parents, Demosthenis and Kalliope Kaounis; his brothers, Andoni Kaounis and Nondas Kaounis; and his sisters, Efthimia Criaris and Mary Kaounis.

George is survived by his children; Colleen Pardenek and her husband John, James Kaounis and his wife Theresa and family, Denise Murden and her husband Gary, and Patty Sokolowski and her husband Joseph. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Lisa Imbro and husband Alfred, Anna Pardenek, Christina Beatrice and husband Ryan, George Murden, and Carmella Sokolowski; as well as great-grandchildren Julia, Elena and Alfred J. Imbro.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 6pm to 9pm at Fiore Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, NJ. A funeral service will be held 10am on Friday at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1033 W. Park Ave., Ocean, NJ. Burial to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ. Please go directly to church on Friday. To offer condolences, directions, or to order flowers please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.