George Souris March 9, 1923 - April 28, 2026

George A. Souris

George A. Souris died peacefully on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 surrounded by loved ones.  He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty years Anne (Nicozisin) Souris, his parents Anastasios and Katherine (Katsoulis) Souris; his siblings Peter (Amelia), Herb (Frances), John (Kathryn), Viola (Tasso) Karides, James and Stephen (Mary); brother-in-law Reverend Fr. George Nicozisin, sister-in-law Presvytera Sylvia Nicozisin and great-grandchild Grace.

George is survived by his children Renée (Mark) Vleisides and Paul (Linda) Souris; grandchildren Julie Duncan; Lauren (David) Tillman; Erin (Adam) Simpson; Timothy (Marika) Vleisides; great-grandchildren Nina, Jessica, Austin, Abi and Maple; Godchildren: Thom Souris, Nikki Miller, Nicole Guarino and Nicholas Konczak; cousins, koumbaroi, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  George had many friends and never knew a stranger.

George’s parents emigrated from Kythira, Greece to the United States.  He and his siblings grew up in St. Louis’ Chouteau neighborhood and worked for their father at the Manchester Candy Kitchen.  After graduating from McKinley High School in 1941, George enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and proudly served in the Mediterranean aboard the USS Columbus, CA-74.  He graduated from Oklahoma University with a Journalism degree and worked for McDonnell Douglas as an administrative engineer.

George belonged to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and was a long-standing member of the choir.  He was given the unofficial title of church photographer and historian and documented many milestones in the community.  He enjoyed Bible study classes under the guidance of his beloved brother-in-law Rev. Fr. George Nicozisin.  When Fr. George offered to lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1986, George and Anne were the first to sign up.  Later, George published a book about the transformative experience.

George worked tirelessly in other roles at St. Nicholas, including parish council member, Kythirian Society officer, Greek festival chairperson and festival volunteer.  In his later years, when he could no longer withstand the physical demands of festival work, he enjoyed attending St. Nicholas Sunday services and passing out the collection tray, earning him the nickname ‘mayor of the balcony’ by a few friends.

When George and Anne moved to a sleepy northwest suburb in the early 1960’s, there was not much to do for entertainment, so they joined the Carrollton Players, a community theater group formed by their neighbors and put on Neil Simon comedies and other popular plays of the time.  George and Anne enjoyed many family vacations and gatherings, YMCA fitness classes, choir conference adventures and McKinley High reunions.  He had the privilege to participate in a Greater St. Louis Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. and visit the National World War II Memorial.  In George’s later years, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews became the center of his universe.  He inspired everyone with his positivity and gratitude and could find the silver lining in every dark cloud.

Services: On Saturday, May 2, 2026 there will be a Visitation at 9:00 am and a Funeral Service at 10:00 am at the St. Nicholas Family Life Center, 12550 South Forty Drive, St. Louis, MO.  A Burial service at St. Matthew Cemetery, St. Louis, MO will follow.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (click on this link) or the charity of choice are appreciated.  The family wishes to thank the staff St. Luke’s Hospital and Breeze Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion.