George J. Mechalakos, 92 a lifetime resident of Easton, PA and veteran of World War II, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Lehigh Valley Hospital after a long illness. He was born on July 17, 1923 in Easton, PA, the son of James Mechalakos and Jane Stamatakos of Sparta, Greece.
In his youth he divided his time between school and work at the Easton Sweet Shop, the family business and prominent Easton fixture, founded in 1916 by his father. After the death of his father when George was 15, he went on to graduate from Easton High School with a perfect 12 year attendance record while simultaneously managing the Easton Sweet Shop with his mother. After graduating from high school in 1938 he enrolled at Lafayette College, soon after taking leave from his studies to enlist in the United States Army during World War II. He fought in Germany as a member of Company K, 335th Infantry Regiment where he was captured and held as a prisoner of war until his release and honorable discharge in 1946 at the rank of sergeant. He received numerous citations for his service, including 2 bronze stars. Upon his return home he completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Lafayette and resumed management of the Sweet Shop. He met his future wife Chrisanthe in 1962 and they were married in 1963. They co-managed the Easton Sweet Shop until their retirement in 1984. He was also owner of James Realty which included the former Sweet Shop and adjoining properties until 2005. George was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Chrisanthe, his son James and wife Martha, and his grandchildren Mary and George Mechalakos. He was predeceased by his sister Mary in 1992.
Services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday, (Aug. 27) in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 20th St. and Hay Terrace, Easton with visitation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton Street, Easton. Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the church, 319 S. 20th Street, Easton, PA 18042.
Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Dennis Mah
August 26, 2015 at 9:37 am
Very sorry for your loss. His son James, is a longtime friend and colleague of mine.
constantine voyagis, m.d
August 27, 2015 at 8:26 am
We extend our condolences to the Mechalakos family. We just learned
of his passing at this moment (9:30 PM in Los Angeles). He was such a
wonderful person who was like a big brother and mentor. We will miss him.
Our love and prayers to his family. Monique and Gus Voyagis