Obituary from Legacy.com:
George J. Mihalakos, 44, of 23 Lovig Lane, Hamden died suddenly on Jan. 30, 2013.
Born in New Haven on May 14, 1968, he was the son of John and Joanna Lekas Mihalakos of Hamden. He was long active in the family operated Clark's Dairy and Apizza restaurants in New Haven and Orange. More recently, he operated a cafe in the offices of the New Haven Register for the past seven years.
Besides his parents, he is survived by two daughters, Ana and Sophia Mihalakos, both of Milford; one brother, Louis Mihalakos of Hamden and a sister, Stefanie Fragias in Greece. Also survived by 2 nephews and a niece.
Friends may call at The Celentano Funeral Home, 424 Elm St. (cor. Dwight) New Haven on Monday between 5 and 7 p.m., and are invited to attend funeral services in St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road, Orange on Tuesday morning at 10:30. Interment in Beaverdale Memorial Park.
To leave condolence messages, please visit www.celentanofuneralhome.com.
Original story:
The town of Hamden lost one of its favorite and beloved citizens Wednesday when George G. Mihalakos passed away.
Born May 14, 1968, Mihalakos graduated from Hamden Hall Country Day School and attended the University of New Haven. A well-known fixture of the New Haven community, Mihalakos worked at the family owned eatery, Clarks Dairy, for many years.
Well liked by staff and customers alike, people from all walks of life called Mihalakos their friend, whether it be Yale University students like Jodi Foster and Paul Giamatti, or those down on their luck who needed a hot meal.
“George was so personable and had an easy going manner. He was a pleasure to work with” said Janine Martino, a former Clarks Dairy employee. “We used to have fun, he was always very witty and had a very sharp mind.”
A gentle spirit who never sought out accolades, Mihalakos was well known for helping those less fortunate with a hot meal, telling them to pay “next time.” Being content with making customers smile and feel appreciated was his gift to the community.
“I have never know a more generous, kinder human being in my life,” said longtime friend Paul Ramunni. “I have known George for 30 years and everyone who knew him enjoyed his company immensely.”
Recently Mihalakos expanded his business by taking over the food services at the New Haven Register building on Sargent Drive, where he thrived on providing highest quality food products at low prices.
He often spoke with joy of many friendships and enjoyed the interactions the with writers and editors at the newspaper. In today's Register, many who work there remember Mihalakos as "a friend to everyone."
"My love for George will last forever," said Register editor Helen Bennett-Harvey. "A friend so dear who understood me, shared himself, helped me to understand myself, pushed me, coddled me, held me up, made me laugh at myself, shared my secrets that no one else knows. There is not another person like George and he illuminated all of our lives."
Passionate about science and technology, Mihalakos kept up on the latest cutting edge computer designs, games and information technologies. With a love for space exploration and discovery, Mihalakos was fascinated by the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe and how humans needed to be open minded beyond their own universe, which provided stimulating food for thought with the many who met him.
A sports enthusiast, George was well versed in both American and European sports teams. A virtual walking sports encyclopedia, he was most proud of his beloved New York Giants four super bowl wins and New York Mets, and had a brilliant memory of various sports statistics and teams, which served him well in conversation with the many New Haven county sports fans.
Described by many as a brilliant businessman and aspiring intellectual, he was able to interact with PhD’s and janitors alike. Mihalakos had the ability to explain his deep thoughts and ideas to others without making those of lesser intelligence feel in any way inferior.
A life long animal lover, George’s kind spirit and gentle soul was evident to everyone he knew and touched during his all too short life.
A loving father, George leaves behind two daughters, a brother and sister, and his mother and father.
Editor's Note: Paul Ramunni is the sister of Hamden Patch editor Kathleen Ramunni.
