George K. Zioze

George K. Zioze, 95, of Manchester, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 20, 2026. He was born in Fourka, Greece on June 4, 1931 to the late Konstantinos and Haidou (Florou) Zioze.

George spent the first 15 years of his life living in a small village in northern Greece. During World War II, his village was invaded by enemy troops and his father was captured. His father eventually returned, but died shortly thereafter when George was only 12. After the end of World War II, George immigrated to the United States, leaving his mother and siblings in Greece until years later when they joined him in the U.S. He settled in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he lived the remainder of his life.

Upon arriving in Manchester, George enrolled in school for a short time but was not afforded the opportunity to pursue his education. In fact, he learned much of his English from interacting with friends and going to movies. Several of his earliest friendships endured for life and, along with many other friendships he developed over the years, became some of his most meaningful relationships. Manchester was also home to many other families from Greece, creating a close and familiar community that became an important part of his life. His Greek heritage remained deeply meaningful to him, and he cherished the bonds he shared within Manchester’s Greek community.

George held a variety of jobs after arriving in Manchester, including one where he met his wife of 61 years, Phyllis. After they were married, they started a business together – G&C Restaurant Equipment – a food service supply company, which they ran side by side until they retired in 1995. For more than 30 years, he helped countless restaurateurs start and grow their businesses. He loved owning and operating G&C and, together with Phyllis, worked tirelessly to build the business. He was so passionate and devoted to his work that he continued consulting with many former customers for 20 years after his retirement.

While George took great pride in building a successful business, there was nothing more important to him than his family. He was selfless, loving, witty, and strong-willed in the best sense. As a father, George led by example. More than anything, he taught his children the importance of hard work, integrity, keeping your word, doing the right thing, and taking care of the people you love. Together with Phyllis, he made family the center of his life. Their home was the gathering place for holidays, meals, and so many other occasions, and that same sense of welcome extended to Dean and Haidy’s friends as well. The Zioze house was always open, always full, and always a place where family and friends felt at home.

Having worked so hard while his children were young to give them opportunities he had not had, George enjoyed the gift of spending meaningful time in retirement with his grandchildren, to whom he was known as Papou. His face lit up whenever they walked into the room, and their company brought him tremendous joy. He was always ready to babysit, lend a helping hand, attend a game or recital, or simply spend time together. His grandchildren fondly remember shopping trips, special outings, and the simple moments of fun and laughter they shared with him. He often recounted stories from his childhood in Fourka, and they were fascinated by his memories of living in a small village without running water or electricity, tending to his family’s animals, and living through a war, including the time he hid in the mountains with the animals when enemy troops came through.

In his later years, he especially enjoyed hearing about their lives, celebrating their accomplishments, and sharing the wisdom he had gained over a lifetime of experience. George was immensely proud of his grandchildren, and they knew him for his long cheek kisses, his steady presence, and his unmistakable pride in each of them.

Through hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice, George built a life in America that reflected the promise of the American Dream, creating opportunities for his children and grandchildren that he himself had never known. But most importantly, George left a lasting legacy of love for family, devotion to those closest to him, and an example of hard work, integrity, and perseverance that will continue to guide his children and grandchildren.

George is survived by his two children, Dean Zioze and wife Melanie of Rye, and Haidy Zioze of Manchester; five grandchildren, Alexis Zioze of Boston, Kate Zioze of Boston, Jack Zioze of Rye, Katarina Zioze of Manchester and Sophia Zioze of Manchester; his brother, John Zioze and his companion, Lucie Skouteris; two nephews, John Mokas and wife Shelly, and Nicholas Colombos and wife Alexandra; two nieces, Evelyn Lanigan and Caryl Shepard and husband Tom; his late nephew’s wife, Beth Mokas; and many grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by his beloved wife, Phyllis F. (Tsiatsios) Zioze; his siblings: Amalia Colombos and Soultana Mokas; and his nephew, Deno Mokas.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St. in Manchester. A funeral will be held at 10:30am on Friday, June 26, 2026, at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 650 Hanover St. in Manchester. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Educational Fraternal Association of Fourka, 78 McAllister Road, Bedford, NH 03110.

For online condolences, please visit www.LambertFuneralHome.com