George Zacharias Glaros

George Zacharias Glaros, 77 of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully at home on November 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Born on June 8, 1948, on the Aegean island of Ikaria, Greece, in the village of Glaredo, he was the son of the late Reverend Zacharias Glaros and Despina (Larda) Glaros. George was the youngest of their six children.

Growing up on the Blue Zone island, he enjoyed swimming with his friends and playing in the nearby forest. He was a nature enthusiast and always showed kindness towards animals. In his teenage years, he became an expert spear fisherman and enjoyed sharing his catches with family and friends. After graduating high school in Aghios Kirikos, Ikaria, in 1966, he served in the Greek Navy for two and a half years. Following the Navy, he enlisted in the Greek Merchant Marine technical school for two years and received his Radio Officer Specialist certification. During his training, he was appointed to instruct his fellow peers in Marconi communications and graduated at the top of his class.

Upon his return home to the island from graduation in 1972, he met his future wife, Elaine Zarnas Glaros on the ferry boat while she and her parents were also traveling to Ikaria. They were introduced on-board by a mutual cousin and began their courtship by spending many wonderful moments exploring and enjoying the land and sea of Ikaria together and later married there on April 17, 1974.

Following the wedding, George ventured with his new bride to the United States and built a home and a life in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with her and their two daughters, Denise and Selina. George worked for his father-in-law, Gust C. Zarnas in his industrial painting company as vice-president. During his 42 years of employment at G.C Zarmas and Company, he was greatly admired and respected by his clients, colleagues and employees for being a reliable resource and demonstrating positive professional presence in all of his interactions by treating everyone with courtesy and empathy. As his father-in-law, Gust Zarnas would declare for those who were listening, " That's my son-in-law and you won't find a more noble and innocent man than him!"

George lived a full and vibrant life and was adored by all who knew him. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and will be remembered for his generosity, honesty and reliability. He was a longtime member of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He loved the ocean, Ikaria, hiking, boating, travel, Alaska and spending time with his grandchildren. Despite his final years being challenging due to health concerns, he expressed to his family that he "lived a good life with no regrets".

Above all, family was the heart of George's world. He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine and children, Denise Glaros and Selina Rekola; his sons-in-law Toby Dunlap and Rami Rekola; his treasured grandchildren Georgie and Marlaina; his beloved siblings Neofitos Glaros, Angelique Meligaris, Maria Pastis and his cherished nieces and nephews and predeceased by brother Stefani Glaros and sister Irene Bratsis.A private interment will take place in Ikaria, Greece and services will conclude at Saint Gregory's Church and Cemetery in the village of Glaredo. Condolences may be offered online at www.connellfuneral.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of George Glaros to The Pan-Icarian Foundation via the following website: https://pan-icarian.com/foundation/

or by post to Pan-Icarian Foundation

Post Office Box 79037

Pittsburgh, PA 15216-0037