Submitted by: Dan Rich

George Gust Relias

Sept. 19, 1938 - Nov. 20, 2007

South Bend Tribune 11/24/2007

SOUTH BEND - George Gust Relias, 69, passed away Tuesday, November 20, in his home. George was born on September 19, 1938, in South Bend, to Anna (Shestokes) and Gust Relias. He is survived by two sisters, Helen (Robert) Horvath and Angeline Milakis, both of Indianapolis; and was preceded in death by his sisters, Dorothy Tammeling and Constance Eker. Surviving children include Susan (John) Mazurkiewicz, Andrew (Michele) Relias, Nicholas (Jamie) Relias and Aris-Ann (Shannon) Clark, all of South Bend; and he was 'Papou' for 10 grandchildren, including Lucas and Caroline Mazurkiewicz, Caitlin, Blaise and Morgan Relias, Brady and Sophia Relias, and Austin, Chris and Skylar Clark. Along with his kids and grandkids, George always enjoyed spending time with his 'Indianapolis' nieces and nephews including Georgeann and Panos Niarchos, Joan and Jerry Love, Janet and Charlie Sauter, Diana and David Nesbitt, and Deborah and Dan Halpin; along with their kids.

George was extremely proud of the service he provided to his country. He entered active service in the U.S. Marine Corps in Chicago on July 1, 1957, and was honorably discharged on June 30, 1963. He had many great memories about his days at Camp Pendleton. In his youth, he helped out with his folks' restaurants in South Bend, including the Portage Avenue Sweet Shop, Sally's (on Jefferson Blvd. and St. Joseph St.) and Ann's Drive-In (on Western Avenue). He graduated and played both football and basketball at South Bend Central. Following his service in the Marines, George enjoyed a successful career for nearly 40 years as a project superintendent with Walsh & Kelly. No matter what health obstacles George faced, he was always there for family and friend weddings, graduations, baptisms, birthdays and any other reason to have a party. Over the past few summers, George became a fixture at East Side and Warren little league baseball games watching and cheering on his grandkids. Simply put, George loved life and lived it to the fullest as possible. Going to Cubs games with Helen and Bob; the Big 10 basketball tournament with his work associates; cheering on his Chicago Bears, either in front of the big screen or at Soldier Field; his VIP status at the Blue Chip; following NASCAR with Andy; driving his Corvette and Harley. And we all know why he had such an intense interest in just about any basketball or football game!

Visitation for George will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 25, in Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a Trisagion service will be held at 6 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, in the St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church. The family wishes that all memorial contributions for George be directed to the Ronald McDonald House at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.