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A few facts about his life
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He
was born in Perista on April 4, 1931. His parents
were Ioannis Comatas and his mother was Dimitroula
(Hantzis). The third child of a large family and only
boy, between three sisters, Aspasia, Eleni and Katina.
He
attended elementary school in Perista, which he only
completed the first three grades.
He was forced to stop school because of World War
11, and later the Civil War.
At the age of 16, on February 7, 1947, he migrated
to America, and made his home in New York alongside
his beloved father who owned and operated a florist.
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He
immediately started working with him and he went to school
to learn the English language.
He
served in the American Army while the Korean War was going
on. During his last year of service, he spent it in Germany.
He returned to New York to continue working with his father
at Danos Florist on 86th Street. In March of 1957 his beloved
father passed away and he took over the business.
In
1959 he takes a trip to Greece and marries Marina Kefaliacos
(Daughter of Konstantinou ). Marina, being a very special
person, with her exceptional personality which for 45 years,
with patience, persistence and with all of her good qualities,
stood beside her husband loyally,became a worthy mother
to his children, an exceptional companion, co-worker and
advisor. They had three children together, Debbie (Dimitroula),
Alice ( Alexandra) and John (Ioannis). They were raised
based on the Greek American Orthodox Traditions.
On
October 6, 1983, tragedy falls upon the family. One of his
offsprings, Alexandra was taken away from him. She was barely
twenty years old. Along with pain and bitterness ,he put
on a facade even though deep inside he was grief-stricken
with sadness and he took this with him to his grave. With
all of this, he never gave anyone reason to have pity on
him. He never let things go down. He knew he had an obligation
towards his family, and was responsible for their well-being.
With his sometimes stuborn and always tireless personality
and his drive and love for the work he did, and with the
assistance of his family, he created a very successful retail
florist.
With
him being so active in all the organiztions that the florist
industry had to offer,the name "Danos Floral Co."
became well known not only in the Metropolitan area of New
York, but throughout the U.S.A. and worldwide through the
FTD network.
Just before he left the floral industry in 1992, he
attended the FTD convention, and it was there that he was
honored and awarded with a plaque that stated his dedication
and continued and active membership with the FTD Association
for 50 years.
He was always present with his own sentimentality and vigor
in any affair he attended whether it be business, family
affairs, or just being there for a friend or even with a
complete stranger. He was there in sad times and in happy
times for each of these.
He was a loyal member in the Greek Orthodox Church and its
societies. His presence was known throughout the associations.
Perista for George Comatas was not only his native country
and birthplace, he loved and cherished Perista. With these
feelings he succeeded in nurturing this and passed this
on not only to his children, but also to his four grandchildren
which he adored and they adored him back
He
frequently visited Greece and specifically giving Perista
priority. In the summer months, you would find him in
Perista where his neighbors and all the villagers would
welcome his presence along with his respect and love for
them as they reciprocated the same for him because he
deserved it.
Agios
Athanasios Association of Perista in New York served him
well throughout the years with the utmost trust. He was
an active member from the moment he stepped on American
soil. He served with zeal, dedication, love and responsibility.
He also held several positions as officer. He held the
position of President and at the end he held the position
of Treasurer. With this position from 1999 he gave his
all. With the help of our Past President, George Handjinicolaou
they brought in thousands of dollars to the association.
During
his last years, he spent qualtiy time close to his family,
his wife Marina, his children and grandchildren. He also
found the time to be involved socially with other groups.
His
death brought sorrow, sadness and grief to his family,
his relatives, and friends, and also to the people who
just simply knew him as a person.
His absence will be felt always and will be missed and
will be irreplaceable.
May his memory be Eternal.
See
more for George Commatas here
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