George Kaliontzis, at 85 years old of Arlington passed away after a brief illness on July 8. Son of the late Alexander and Anastasia Kaliontzis. He leaves behind his wife Ernestine of Arlington, sister Kaliopy Kaliontzis of Somerville, daughter Joanne Kaliontzis of Boston, and daughter and son-in-law Maria and Michael Tinglof and two grandchildren Seth and George, all of Concord, Massachusetts. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

George was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts, graduating Somerville High School in 1951. He continued his education at Boston's Northeastern University, majoring in business. He was an active, long-time member of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Somerville, helping found the church as well as serving as president and as a board member for many years. A fluent native speaker, he was proud of his Greek heritage and enjoyed being connected to the community.

George lived a long and active life, working as a fine paper salesman and continuing to make in-person sales calls to greater Boston printing houses until he was 80 years old, retiring in 2013. He was the 1998 Ben Franklin Award recipient for Distinguished Service in the Graphic Arts by the Printing and Publishing Council of New England, former president and head of the scholarship committee of the Boston Club of Printing House Craftsmen for many years.

George and his family moved to Arlington in 1965 and remained until his death. George enjoyed the outdoors and working with his hands. He was an accomplished amateur mason, laying brick and stone to create walls, planters, and a patio, turning his dirt backyard into a garden, in which he enjoyed planting flowers each spring and bulbs in the fall.

He was president and former member of the board of the Arlington Boys and Girls Club, where he served as an active volunteer for many years. He would volunteer with the disabled adult community there with swimming programs, and reached out to many and made many friends extending beyond those programs.

After his retirement, George continued to serve the community as a board member at the St. Athanasius Church in Arlington as well as helping friends, neighbors and strangers alike, whether it was giving a ride, shopping, visiting an elderly person or donating his time.

George enjoyed a good laugh and having fun with people. He was also a trusted confident to many, giving his time and advice. He was the person you called when you needed something and he would be right there. He will be best remembered for his kindness and generosity to help others, and his flamboyant personality that impacted so many. He will be greatly missed by the many who considered him a close and dear friend.

Funeral services on Thursday at 10:00 am in St. Athanasius The Great Greek Orthodox Church 4 Appleton St., Arlington. Interment to follow Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Visiting hours at The DeVito Funeral Home 1145 Mass Avenue ARLINGTON Wednesday 4:00 to 7:00pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Athanasius Greek Church in Arlington.