GEORGE O. LEONAKIS

Jan. 30, 1939 - Sept. 6, 2010
SOUTH BEND - George Otto Leonakis, 71, of South Bend, died at 4:44 a.m. Monday, September 6, 2010, in his home surrounded by his loving family. George was born January 30, 1939, in Gary, IN, to Phyllis (Kallimani) and the late Otto G. Leonakis, and lived most of his life in the South Bend, Elkhart area.

On January 13, 1963, in Savannah, GA, he married Catherine Harritos, who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Maria Strafford (Chris) of Granger, IN, Filio Riber (Sam) of Cincinnati, OH, and Stephanie Holland (Steve) of Granger; nine grandchildren, Lexi, Nick, Kristina, and Alaina Strafford, Sam, Nina and Evie Riber, and Alec and Mia Holland; his mother, Phyllis Leonakis of South Bend; and a brother, Thomas O. Leonakis (Deb) of South Bend.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1979, and a brother, Kris O. Leonakis in 1993.

In 1957 he graduated from Washington-Clay High School in South Bend. He earned four varsity letters in basketball and was most valuable player and captain for the Colonials as a senior. He lettered in football as well, playing quarterback. He attended Western Michigan University in 1957 and 1958. His college was interrupted when he enlisted in the U.S. Marines for whom he served from 1958 until 1961. After marrying Catherine in 1963, he returned to Western Michigan and earned his undergraduate degree in 1965. He later received his Master's Degree as well.

George taught math at Monroe Junior High School in South Bend, beginning in 1965, and also coached the basketball and football teams.

He went on to coach at South Bend Central High School, initially as an assistant football and J.V. basketball coach. He became head basketball coach for the 1969-70 season, which was the final season at South Bend Central.

After Central closed as a high school he taught and was head basketball coach for the South Bend LaSalle Lions.

In 1974 he became head basketball coach at Elkhart Central High School where he also taught accounting and business classes. During his career at Elkhart Central he led the Blue Blazers to the 1978 Indiana State Finals while posting a 25-4 record that season. Following his years at Elkhart Central he, along with his brother Tom, took over Roseland Garden Center, a family business owned since 1946 by their father, Otto.

He then continued his love of coaching with positions at South Bend Adams, IUSB, and Southwestern Michigan College while continuing to operate Roseland Garden Center with his brother.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 10th, in St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 52455 Ironwood Road, with Rev. George Konstantopoulos officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. today, September 9th, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, where a Trisagion service will be held at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 52455 Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Sep. 9, 2010.

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