George I. Fitsioris

George Fitsioris, long-time resident of Mt. Lebanon, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the glorious age of 96.

George is survived by his beloved wife Maria, children John (Areti) and Tom (Karen), two beautiful grandchildren Elise and Eleni, and many loved relatives in the USA, Canada, and Greece, and Bulgaria.

George was predeceased by his father Ioannis, mother Theodora, and siblings Trifon, Dionisios, Kiriakos, Maria, and Eleni.

George was a devoted Greek Orthodox Christian, husband, and father. His life personified “"φιλότιμο/filotimo” - a Greek word that reflects a person’s commitment to acting with moral responsibility and self-respect, and embodies a wide range of values and virtues, such as honor, dignity, integrity, and an inner drive to do what is right. George and Maria volunteered many hours for church events and were part of the group of parishioners who helped to found and build the current Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church. George was always ready to share a cheerful smile and had a great sense of humor:)

George was born and raised in Agra, Edessa, Greece. Families in Agra were self-sufficient, they grew and harvested food (fruits, vegetables, wheat, grains, dairy, meat) and crafted all of their clothing and household items by hand. Work was primarily completed during the day because working at night required candlelight - residential electric service (for lighting, appliances, etc.) became available when George was a young man. George began working at a young age and served in the Greek military. Following World War II and the ensuing Greek Civil War, and fueled by a spirit of determination, adventure, and independence, George landed work as a baker in Neu-Isenburg, Germany. He lived/worked in Neu-Isenburg (near Frankfurt) for a few years, then travelled to the USA (by boat) to scout for bigger and better work opportunities. After living and working in the USA, George returned to Greece (by boat) and married Maria in a traditional wedding with all of the bells and whistles. Then, George and his beloved new bride Maria made the journey to the USA (by plane, not by boat), lived in New York City, and eventually settled in Mt. Lebanon, PA. George and Maria owned and operated a bakery on the North Side of Pittsburgh for many years: George’s Pastry Shop. When things needed to be done at work or at home, George and Maria got it done.

George was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and will be missed by many. May his soul rest in peace and may his memory be eternal.

Family and friends will be received at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 123 Gilkeson Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228, on Friday, March 27, 2026, for visitation from 10 AM to 11 AM, followed by a memorial service starting at 11 AM, then interment at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 123 Gilkeson Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228.

To view live stream church service of George’s memorial service, which begins at 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time, please click on the link below:

https://holycrosspgh.org/church-live-stream  Arrangements Entrusted to WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, Scott Twp. (412-563-2800) www.slaterfuneral.com