George Michael Pontikos

Howland, Ohio – On Tuesday, July 17, 2018, George Michael Pontikos, loving husband, father, brother and grandfather, passed away at the age of 75 of natural causes at his home in Howland, Ohio.

            He was born on June 26, 1943, in Youngstown, Ohio but according to George, it was actually Campbell, Ohio (pronounced “camel” like the animal and not the soup) to the late Michael and Anna Pontikos.

            George was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. He never owned a smartphone because he thought they were stupid. He believed that the greatest sport in the world was baseball and loved his Cleveland Indians. Siri and Alexa called him for answers. And according to George, he may not always have been right but he was never wrong! 

            He graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1961 where he lettered in football and baseball and in 2010 was inducted in the Campbell Sports Hall of Fame for baseball. After graduation, he attended Purdue University and the University of Akron receiving a degree in business.

            He later took over the helm of the family business, Master Painting and Sheeting, Co., Inc. and for the past 10 years he worked for A-1 Maintenance Painting as a bridge painting estimator. George never retired because, a). he hated golf and b.) he hated golf. He always said he was too competitive to chase a little white ball around for hours on a perfectly nice day.

            In 1965 he married the love of his life Vasso Pontikos and spent 53 wonderful years together but according to Vasso, it was actually 57, if you count the years they were dating! 53 or 57, the love they shared for one another transcended to all of their family members.

            He enjoyed coaching baseball and was the unofficial pitching coach of the SBA Aces, watching baseball and talking baseball. Did we mention he loved baseball? But nothing could compare to the time he spent with his three grandchildren, Taylor, Alec and Bailey. Whether attending dance recitals for his granddaughters or standing in the bitter cold and rain to catch his grandson playing football or baseball, “Coach Papou” was always there.

            He is survived by his wife Vasso Pontikos, his son Michael Pontikos (Carissa Benchwick) of Warren, three grandchildren Taylor, Alec and Bailey Pontikos (who were the shinning stars in George’s eyes and could never do anything wrong), brother John Pontikos (Debra Peluso) of Struthers and his sister Eugenia (Nicolas) Pontikos of Canfield. George also leaves behind, nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to name.

He is preceded in death by his parents Michael and Ann Pontikos and his brother Gus Pontikos.

            George was a member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Warren, and Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Campbell.

            Family and friends may pay their respects Sunday, July 22, 2018 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. with a 4:00 p.m. Trisagion Service with Fr. Constantine Valantasis at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel 1884 North Rd. NE, Warren, Ohio 44483 and Monday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church 401 12th Street Campbell, Ohio 44405.

            A service will be Monday, July 23, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Campbell, Ohio with Fr. Steve Denas, and Fr. Constantine Valantasis officiating. Burial will be in Archangel Michael / St. John Orthodox Cemetery in Campbell.

            In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in George’s name to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 429 High St. Warren, Ohio 44481, or Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church 401 12th Street Campbell, Ohio 44405.

            Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to George’s family.

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