George Demetrios Pankas

George Demetrios Pankas ,90, of Canonsburg, passed away unexpectedly, on Sunday, August 22. 

He was born on September 15, 1930, in Canonsburg, son of the late Demetrios and Tsambika (Kiriazis) Pankas. George was a faithful member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church where he actively sang along with the choir from the pews.  He was also a proud member of AHEPA, the Pan-Rhodian Society, American Legion and VFW.  George was a proud veteran of the US Navy, who served in the Korean War on the USS Hornet.

George was known to all for his amazing sense of humor, kindness, generosity, selflessness and his extreme love for his family, neighbors and friends.  He attended the Canonsburg school system.  George had a love for cars, as he collected many of them. He also loved to have all his buddies over on the breezeway to enjoy Greek foods and drinks. He loved being surrounded by his family and friends. George was dedicated to his family and always put them first. From traveling to sporting events, AHEPA conventions, and family vacations, he was always ready for an adventure.

George was a hard worker with strong work ethics.   Prior to his retirement, after more than 35 years as a winder at McGraw Edison, George spent his youth shining shoes, working at Washington Glass House, and plowing snow.  He was also known around Canonsburg for working at Pankas Mobil Service station that he had with his brother. 

He is survived by his wife, Amelia (Regas) Pankas.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters Stephanie Zeremenko of Canonsburg; Betsy (Gary) Sideris of Astoria, NY; his loving sister Stella “Beba” (George) Velisaris of Canonsburg; his sisters-in-law Lynda (Sam) Pankas of Bridgeville and Carole (John) Pankas of Canonsburg; five grandchildren, Amalea Sideris, Anthony Sideris, Alexa Zeremenko, Giorgiana Zeremenko, and James Zeremenko; and several nieces and nephews that he adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Sam J. Pankas and John D Pankas.

Friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 601 West McMuray Road, Canonsburg, PA. Trisagion services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday. An additional visitation will be held in the church from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Thursday, August 26, with Father George Athanasiou officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg, PA.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sollon Funeral and Cremation Services Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg. Phillip L. Sollon, supervisor, J. David Sollon, director, 724-746-1000.

The family kindly suggests memorial contributions to be made to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. To leave condolences, please visit www.sollon.com.

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