George Mazarakos Obituary

Wow. Mr. Mazarakos was my wood shop teacher in 1963. We learned to use the power tools like the lathe and drill press. I was in the shop when news of President Kennedy's shooting was confirmed, just before Thanksgiving.

Here is George´s video on YouTube under his name
https://youtu.be/YU2nZTPeGVo

I just saw this obituary today. I went to Lane Tech when Uncle George was Assistant Principal in charge of discipline (1964-1968). I worked for him during my senior year. Yes he really was my uncle. My mother's maiden name was Mazarakos. She visited him at Lane once to introduce herself. He signed my yearbook "Uncle George"

I was a freshman student in wood shop and advanced wood shop with Mr. Mazarakos and later served him as an aide when he was Vice Principal in charge of discipline. I will never forget when he told me I was his 'Head Man', only to learn that Marines and sailors referred to the bathrooms as the 'Head'. He was also involved with the Lane social center that took place every other week in the big gym. I was one of several committee members that set up the decorations for each dance. I saw him before I left for overseas duty in 1966 with the US Navy. Many years later, I dropped in on him when he was Principal and he still remembered my name. He was a real mentor to me and I always tried to make him proud, no matter where I was or what I was doing. I got a BS in Accounting with Highest Honors in 1973 from U of I in Champaign, after I got out of the Navy. I am now winding down a 40 year career in accounting, and have never forgotten the inspiration and encouragement he gave me throughout all of those years.

Gerald Fon, Lane Class of June 1965

I am sorry that I missed the wake and funeral. I worked with George for 35 years at Lane Tech. It was indeed a pleasure.
He was a perfect gentelman. We were both shop teachers, I taught print shop. He was an excellent teacher. He had many advanced ideas. I will never forget George, he was a great frined.

Dear family,
We are truly saddened by your loss.
George was our neighbor for over 22 years and we shared many stories, dog walks, gardening and people watching together.
He was greatly respected and will be greatly missed.
George was one of a kind, one of the Greatest Generation's finest,
strong and determined, yet so loving.
We will always remember his smile and kindness!

My condolences.
Bob Hayslip
Lane Tech 1978

For some reason going to Youtube.com and entering George's name does not find his video. You have to copy and use this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU2nZTPeGVo
Sorry about that.

Our love and Hellenic affinity to George's family. He was an example to all to knew him. May God rest his soul.
-The Vergis family

Dear Diane, Linda and Marie, and families,

We are saddened by your loss, and extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathies. Knowing that words cannot ease the loss you bear or the grief and pain you feel on the loss of your father, grandfather and great-grandfather, we pray that you may find strength in the love of family, the thoughts and prayers of friends, and that God will comfort you and give you peace of mind.

Your dad was a dear friend, excellent role model, kind teacher, and a caring and protective counselor and guide for his sometimes wayward high school charges. He exemplified fearless and bold.

While we mourn his passing, we remember with fondness his friendship, gentle spirit, charm, good nature and overarching kindness.

The Ackley Family

George Mazarakos was a man of great character. I was lucky enough to serve with him on a Parish council. He was always reasonable and logical. He spoke of his family with a great deal of love. His life was rich with varied experiences. George exemplified his generation and the contribution they made to our community. My wife and I will miss his smile, his sense of humor and his dedication to those around him. Whether it was family, students, faculty, or just someone he met once, all were treated with respect. Few of us will forget this wonderful human being.

Had Mr. Mazarakos for wood shop as a freshman at Lane in 1963. Mr M was a great teacher. Still have the lamp and plaque I made. My condolences to his family. Doug Oftedahl, Jr. Westminster Station, VT

My deepest sympathies To the Mazarakoz Family. George was a great man and did great things for all the Lane Tech Students. I appreciate his work. May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal

Pete Puhar Class of 1969-70

George you were always a gentleman and a scholar. We are forever grateful for sharing your Greek culture with us and for your service to our country during its most perilous time. Like my Uncle Henry Ford who died heroically during the landing in France, you were part of that great generation for whom the world is forever beholden. Thank you and go with God's love. Marlene and Bruce Robin

To see George attending a Pan Hellenic meeting this spring, go to youtube.com and enter George Mazarakos. He was always a dignified person.

Dear Christina, Matthew & Diane,
We remember fun times on your front porch when we would all gather on a summer evening. It saddens us that George's chair is empty. He enjoyed looking out on Oakdale. Our very best to you all.Your next door neighbors,
The Hoyt Family--Merrill, Bernette, Josh, Matt, Naomi

God Bless Mr.Maz. As a member of LTHS Class of 1980, USMC 3060 class of 1980 and son of the late Marine & CPS Von Steuben High School Principal, Harold Kiehm. Our family extends our condolences to the Mazarakos family. The many lives your father touched will astound you, from the outpouring from former students & fellow educators. Take solace in all the positive he brought to the tens of thousands he helped to educate in his career As well as service to his community that he selflessly gave of himself.
Semper Fi Mr. Maz ! We'll hoist one in your honor on Nov 10th