It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Georgios Christos Balassi, of
Sheboygan, WI, on April 22, 2024 at the age of 83 years.
Born on August 8, 1940, in Athens, Greece to Fotini and Christos Balassi, Georgios moved to
the United States in the early 1960s where he met and married his beloved wife, Amalia
Nikolatos. Amalia and George provided a home and a sanctuary for many visiting relatives from
Greece looking for comfort and philoxenia. Their home was always bustling with activity,
cooking, laughter, and conversation around the dinner table. Raising four beautiful children,
Christos, Elias, Maria, and Tom there was never a quiet moment in the house. George is
survived by his son Elias and his daughter Maria as well as many grandchildren, and great
grandchildren.
In his early years, Georgios was a passionate musician who cherished playing his bouzouki, a
talent that brought joy to many gatherings. Before serving in the Greek army, he pursued his
love for music and succeeded in becoming a singer—a testament to his dedication and skill. His
love of music continued to resonate throughout his career, listening to church chanting up until
the last moments of his earthly life.
Much of Georgios’ American career was spent at Saint Nicholas Hospital where he served the
needs of the people in various capacities. He was a skilled and dexterous painter and proved
himself invaluable to the hospital providing decades of service. Georgios wasn’t just the
‘Maintenance Man’ he was the ‘Go To’ guy when the hospital needed things to get done. He
was tough, tenacious, and had a work ethic like no other; George worked hard to provide for his
family every day.
After losing the love of his life, Amalia, Georgios made his home at the Sheboygan Senior
Community, where he extended his family by forming cherished friendships with residents and
staff alike. You could visit with him while he watched his grandson on YouTube saying proudly,
“My grandson Dimitri is a priest!” He loved his church and his Greek Orthodox Faith so much.
Saint Spyridon in Sheboygan, WI was his home base but in later years he would tune in to
Saints Constantine and Helen of Washington, DC from afar. The church was always close to
his heart. His middle name is Christos, his first son was named Christos, and this is the name
of the person that he loved most dearly, Jesus Christ. George had a close and intimate
relationship with Christ in his heart and when the matter came up, he would speak passionately
about his love for God. This foundation and cornerstone would provide a firm support for his
lifelong faith and journey to his own eventual Pascha ‘Passover’ from this side of life into the
next eternal life.
Georgios is survived by his loving sister Rea Karamalagos, his children Elias Balassi and Maria
Lee, and his extensive lineage of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in
death by his wife, Amalia and his son Christos Balassi.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, April 25, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral
service at 11:00 AM at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 1425 S. 10th St., Sheboygan, WI
53081.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Georgios can be made to St. Spyridon Greek
Orthodox Church.
May His Memory Be Eternal.
