George Louis Athas, 73 of Huguenot passed away peacefully on Friday, May 24, 2019, at his daughter’s home in La Crosse, Wisconsin, after a long illness. Born Saturday, January 12, 1946 in Lowell, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Louis Athas and the late Georgia Varounis Athas. George was raised in New Brighton, attending Curtis High school and joined the US Army in June of 1966.
George served proudly actively as an SP4 during the Vietnam Conflict from 1966 to 1968. George, during his service, earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Rep. of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge and Sharpshooter and Expert Marksman Medal.
George was proud of his service and continued to honor not only his country but the brave brothers in arms that served before, after, and with him. Upon returning from the war, George joined the NYC Sanitation Department and worked for over 20 years as a Sanitation Worker. while working for Sanitation, George worked part time for both St. Joseph by the Sea High School and Our Lady Star of the Sea Church doing Maintenance for over 10 years.
Upon his retirement, George enjoyed the relaxed life. He spent his free time attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events. George will be remembered fondly for his mastery of the remote control after his retirement.
Starting around 1985, George began speaking in schools all over Staten Island about his experiences in the Vietnam War. George had an impact on those children over the years even being recognized as the “Vietnam Guy” by students who he had spoken to in the past. He always participated in the Flag Day Celebration for PS 6, as well as participating in the annual Memorial Day Parade.
George was an amazing, social, and patriotic individual who will be remembered for his outgoing personality and devotion to veterans across the country. George was one of the founding members of the Vietnam Veterans of America-Staten Island Chapter. He was also a member of the Granito-Smith American Legion Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was the beloved husband of Charlene Vazzana Athas, loving father of Dawn Marie Athas-Pukala and Deena Marie Athas, MD, dear father-in-law of Chris Pukala and Jake Phillips, and cherished grandfather of CJ and Sara. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 AM on Friday at Holy Child Church located at 4747 Amboy Road Staten Island, New York 10312. Private Cremation will follow.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, and Thursday May 30, 2019 at the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York. Donations in memory of George may be made to: Vietnam Veterans Memorial C/O Holmen Area Foundation PO Box 432 Holmen, WI 54636 wivietnamwarmemorial.com and The Siller Foundation tunnel2towers.org/ To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of George Louis Athas please visit our Sympathy Store.
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