Gloucester - George W. Belezos, 93, resident of Gloucester for over 77 years, grew up in the South End of Boston. After a brief illness, he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on August 23, 2018. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Angelica Belezos, a teacher in Gloucester, and was the loving father of daughter Paula, and son-in-law, Tom Conrad of Peabody; son William and daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Belezos of Hamilton; and his deceased daughter, Deborah Belezos Johnson. He leaves his beloved grandchildren, Alyssa, Christina, and Alexis Belezos, and Alexander and Gregory Conrad.

Drafted in 1943, with a dozen other Gloucester men, George found himself as a weapons technician with the 299th Ordnance Boston Maintenance Unit in General George S. Patton’s Jr. Third Army in France, where he earned five battle stars for service in Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, Central Europe, and the Ardennes, as well as a Purple Heart. In 2007, George received the French Legion d’Honneur at the Boston Common by Francois Gauthier, Consul General of France in Boston. He earned a Purple Heart for his mission in Metz France, where he was buried alive and was one of five men who survived out of over 100 men after being bombed by the German army.

In 1955, George owned a business on Main Street, Belos Jewelers, and was a skilled watchmaker. He joined the Gloucester Fire Department and stayed for 30 years rising to the rank of Deputy Chief. After his retirement he served for 20 years as the overseer for the Oak Grove Cemetery where he “righted the ship” and as treasurer, left it in good standing.

George had a varied background and was interested in community affairs up to the day he died. He was firm in his beliefs and felt passionate about issues that were important to him. In the community, he was before his time in advocating for environmental protection and anti-pollution measures. He was a former member of the North Shore Arts Association, and spent years painting and in pursuit of creative endeavors. Additionally, he served in various committees including the World War II Memorial, resulting in the boulevard monument. He was part of the effort to build the Hellenic Community Center in Ipswich, and received a Ministry Award for “Outstanding Service to the Greek Orthodox Church.”

George will be remembered as a man who had an unmatched sense of humor, fun loving prankster, and a man who always put family first—being both generous and loyal. He enjoyed travel and laughter with his wife Kiki and his friends. His family could always count on him for anything they needed. His lifelong friends included Chris Nahatis, John Konaxis, and Mike Linquata.

Visiting hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 28, 2018, held at the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA. On Wednesday, August 29, at 11 a.m., there will be a graveside burial service held in Oak Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Contributions can be made in his name to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, in honor of World War II veterans, 6 Lafayette Street, Ipswich, MA 01938. Online condolences may be given at www.greelyfuneralhome.com.