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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
George K.
Madias
July 15, 1958 – July 19, 2025
Obituary
Georgios Konstantinos Madias entered into eternal rest on July 19, 2025. He was born in Kardamyla, Chios, Greece on July 15, 1958
to the late Konstantinos Georgios Madias and Aimilia Madias (nee. Foradis). He immigrated to the U.S. from Greece in 1972 and set roots in Lakewood, Ohio. After tragically losing his mother four days after arriving in the U.S. he forged ahead to support his father, brother John, and sister Maro. George raised his family in Cleveland, having married his first wife, Dolly, in 1987, with whom he raised four children. He later earned his bachelor's degree in split enrollments at Baldwin Wallace University and Cleveland State University prior to establishing a wonderfully successful career as a mechanical engineer. George worked 35+ years as an engineer at Standard Machine in Cleveland, where he orchestrated projects for NASA, major shipping companies, and prominent Cleveland businesses. George was truly a genius in his craft.
George lived life in full color, and was most beloved for his sweetness, warmth, humor, and beaming smile. He had countless close friendships - each special in its own way, illuminated by his authenticity, gentleness, and desire to share his joy. He had many joys.
George loved his culture, and specifically his home island of Chios. In more recent years, he spent extended summers there with his wife Maria Karadimas, whom he married at his childhood church, Panagia of Nagos, in 2017. George loved Ano Kardamyla, where he would walk the beach with a cigar in-hand, and dressed in style. His homeland pride was formally recognized in 2023, when he was sworn in as the Supreme Governor of the Chios Society of America, with national responsibility to ensure closeness, cohesion, and vitality of the society's regional chapters. Any Greek gathering is defined by music, dancing, food and lightheartedness; George provided every element. He had a beautiful singing voice, routinely gracing stages as a requested guest feature at weddings, christenings, and bouzoukia nights with the same set and charisma. He cooked even better than he sang, known by his children and so many family and friends for his lamb, avgolemono soup, and rizogalo; he, of course, passed the gift of cooking on to his sons Christopher and Stephan. To expound on his Greek affinity - like his father, George loved visits to the kafeneio (social coffee house) where he was a renowned expert in tavli (backgammon) and diloti.
George's joys widened when he immigrated to America. He road motorcycles and loved muscle cars; he raced cars in The Flats during the summer, and road his BMW bike across Europe with only a six-pack of Hanes t-shirts. He also developed a deep love for baseball, spending summers at Jacobs Field with his children, listening to Hammy on the radio, and as the loudest fan behind the backstop at Little League games. He became a cigar aficionado, and carried them in his front pocket instead of a pen, of course. George never loved dogs until he met Percy, who sat at his feet on the recliner; they bonded over pets and watermelon.
For everything he was, George devoted his life to being the best father imaginable. His four kids were his world, and the world knew it, too. Constantine, Christopher, Stephan, and Lilly are his life's work, having given him complete fulfillment through their kindness toward others, masses of friends, and budding careers. In his retirement years, George could be seen wearing a Wario's shirt (Stephan), a Breitling watch (Lilly), touting the brisket he would cook for dinner (Chris), and drinking his coffee from a Federal Reserve mug (Constantine). George was ever-present in his children's lives, whether as an ambassador to Wario's for Stephan, countless physical therapy sessions for Constantine, dance recitals for Lilly, or GOYA basketball tournaments for Christopher. In his greatest battle - against cancer - his four kids and loving wife remained by his side throughout. For his kids, he was their Giant, biggest advocate, and unequivocally the funniest person ever. George was also a loving father figure to his wife Maria's children: Avgero, Eleni (Chase), and Georgia.
George was preceded in death by his beloved father Konstantinos Georgios Madias, mother Aimilia Madias and brother John Madias. He is survived by his sister Maro Mavrakis (Nick), four children and their spouses, loving wife Maria Karadimas Madias, her three children, and their spouse. He was a godfather to many, and a best friend to even more.
In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider donations to the Chapter 7 of the Chios Society of America, with attention toward Autism awareness efforts.
Processions Information:
Wake and Calling Hours - Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 4:00 - 8:00pm
at Cannon-Catavolos Funeral Home
6953 W 130th Street, Parma Heights, Ohio 44130
Trisagion 7pm
Funeral - Friday, July 25, 2025 at 11:00am
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
2187 W 14th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
(PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH)
Interment St. Theodosius Cemetery
Luncheon to follow at:
Harry's Steakhouse
5664 Brecksville Rd, Independence, OH 44131
For online tributes and condolences please visit www.C-Cfuneralhome.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George K. Madias, please visit our flower store.
Services
Visitation
July
24
Cannon - Catavolos Funeral Home
4:00 - 8:00 pm
Funeral Service
July
25
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Starts at 11:00 am
Luncheon (Immediately Following Burial)
Harry's Steakhouse
George K. Madias's Guestbook
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