Georgios “George” Fotopoulos (82) was born on December 9, 1940, in Paniperi, Messinia-Greece, owned and operated A&M Pizza in the Madera Ranchos for 23 years, and was called home by God on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
George accomplished many things in his 82 years on Earth. He served in the Greek Armed Forces before moving to Germany at the age of 23 to work as a welder. He then moved to Montreal, Canada, at the age of 25, where he started a welding business. He returned to Greece and met his lovely bride, Constantina “Dina” Pavlakos. Dina followed him to Montreal, and they wed shortly after. While in Montreal, they welcomed three children: Aris, Maria, and Yiota.
In 1980, they moved to California for a better life. They settled in Madera Ranchos, where they opened A&M Pizza, which became a legacy within the community. The Fotopoulos family poured every ounce of their effort into A&M Pizza for 23 years. While running a restaurant, George found the time to delve into the things he loved, including beekeeping and barbecuing whole lambs and pigs. George built four homes in Madera Ranchos and a vacation home on Messini Bay in Greece, all by hand and from the ground up. With little formal education, George led his family to a successful life and left a legacy that will be remembered forever.
George is preceded in death by his parents, Aristidis and Maria Fotopoulos, and brothers, Niko and Vasili Fotopoulos.
He is survived by his wife, Constantina “Dina” Fotopoulos; his children, Aris Fotopoulos, Maria Fotopoulos, and Yiota Harrelson; four grandchildren: Nico Fotopoulos, Alexandria Stout, Gabriella Harrelson, and Nicola Cercone; and four great-grandchildren: Troy Fotopoulos, Dean Fotopoulos, Sofia Fotopoulos and Jayce Stout. Through marriage, George’s love also extended to his granddaughter Taylor Vanderpool and her children, Sawyer and Lane Vanderpool, grandson Giustino Cercone, and his son Emmitt Cercone. George’s legacy will live on through countless other family members and friends as well.
In lieu of flowers, George’s family is requesting donations to be made in his name to St. George Greek Orthodox Church.
FUNERAL SERVICE/MAKARIA
Thursday
November 2, 2023
11:00 AM
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
2219 N. Orchard Street
Fresno, CA 93703
