Obituary of George M. Giakas
South Plainfield – George M. Giakas, 95, passed away peacefully at his home with his family at his side.
George was born in Brooklyn, NY to the late Michael and Gertrude; he grew up in Gravesend Brooklyn
and was honored to have been accepted to the prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School at the top of the class. Georges’ father later fell ill to ALS and he would have to suspend his learning to assist his mother being a care taker to his father and help care for six siblings.
Settling to South Plainfield in 1965, George and his family began a successful Dry Cleaning Business, Giakas Cleaners, which is still in operation today under the ownership of his son, Brett. George was a well-known member of the community and will be fondly remembered as a hard worker who often served as a mentor to many of the town youth as he had them work, teaching valuable business and life lessons. He was a self-taught investor who enjoyed trips to Atlantic City and when he could find the time, going to the race track. His life lessons and success was culminated on Christmas Eve of 2012 when he was Conferred his high school diploma from Brooklyn Tech.
Predeceased by his parents and six siblings; Walter, Lavinia, Mildred (Cirafesi), John, Anna (Chillemi) and William, he is survived by his wife, Eileen (Raya), four children and their spouses; Wally and Susan, Brett and Beth, Michele and Tom and Dawn and Glenn. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren; Casey, Wally, Justin, Alex, Nick, Chris, Kristin, Jessica, Paul, Vincent, Justin and Sarah and his beloved two great grandchildren, Wally and Aria. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews, as well as additional family members and friends.
Family and friends are invited to join together for visitation on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 12noon to 3 PM in the McCriskin – Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield, NJ. 07080.
Funeral services will begin at 3PM and cremation will take place privately.
As a generous person, George felt very strongly about donating to ALS Association, Shriners and St. Jude Children’s Hospitals, therefore, the family is requesting in lieu of flowers, memorial donation be made to one of the three organizations in his memory.
https://www.als.org/support/states/new-jersey?campaign=487487
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now