George Lambrinos

Published in the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin on 7/23/2009

George Lambrinos, 82, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, formerly from Endicott NY, passed away peacefully after many successful triumphs while battling a prolonged illness and rigorous treatment schedule on Sunday, July 19, 2009, at the Humber Memorial Hospital in Weston.

Born in Endicott, New York in 1946, the second youngest of seven children, he graduated from Union-Endicott High School. He permanently relocated to Canada from Gary, Indiana, with family in tow, in 1961, becoming a Canadian citizen in 1967.

He is survived by his two sons, Chris Lambrinos and Tim Lambrinos of Toronto; his daughter, Alice Idemudia, her husband, Jude Idemudia; and granddaughter, Charlotte Joan Bailey, all residents of Newmarket, Ontario and survived by his ex-wife, Sheila Thibaudeau Lambrinos of Markdale, Ontario. He is predeceased by five siblings, Jim, Pauline Damigos, Chuck, Peter and Bessie Haner, survived by sister, Elaine Conger (Florida).

All Lambrinos brothers were honourably discharged US war veterans.

Also survived by many Lambrinos relatives originating in the Endicott area: sister-in-law, Mary Lambrinos; and nephew, Jim Lambrinos Jr.; nephew, John Damigos (California); niece, Christine Figured (North Carolina); nephew, Keith "Chuck" Lambrinos; nephew, Bill Lambrinos (North Carolina); sister-in-law, Alda Lambrinos; and nieces, Paulette Gazdik (Binghamton) and Carol Holden (Texas); and nephew, Bob Haner (Florida); and many special great-nieces and great-nephews.

As a youngster in upstate New York, George "Greek" Lambrinos was often recognized as a star athlete. Awarded a full scholarship to Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania after scouts viewed a "miracle" shot in a championship high school basketball game, he delayed enrolling to college while serving in the allied occupational army in Japan in 1947.

Honourably discharged as a veteran, he came back and had a successful sports career at college (member of two undefeated football seasons) and graduated from Bloomsburg Teacher's College in 1953. He was inducted into Bloomsburg University's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.

He played Triple "A" professional baseball for, among other teams, the New York Giants in the mid-50's. Marrying in 1955 and finally moving to Canada in 1961, he continued his career occupation as an educator and teacher.

He was a dedicated community activist, founding the local baseball leagues, volunteering at various associations, including the Canadian Mental Health Association, Retired Teacher's Association and Toronto Police Community Services.

The street named "Lambrinos Lane" can be located in North York (Toronto) as an enormous display of acclaim for community activism when his ex-wife was recognized for her own civic achievements in a street naming ceremony in 2006 at North York's "Lambrinos Lane."

He was present and participated at the sign unveiling. He will be greatly missed by his entire family but most importantly, his love for his granddaughter, Charlotte, was indeed the motivating inspiration he drew himself to each and every day.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2009, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Ward Funeral Home at 2035 Weston Road in Toronto, Ontario.

A service will commence promptly at 2:30 p.m. in the Funeral Home's Chapel, followed by a reception next door at the Central United Church. His burial will be held for immediate family and close hometown friends at The Riverhurst Cemetery in Endicott, New York on Monday, July 27th, at 2:30 p.m.

May the big man with big hands and an even bigger heart find eternal content in recognizing the joy he passed to everyone that he touched during his entire life. Please, rest in peace. We will love you forever.