Gerontios E. Ginnis 1946-2026
CAMPBELL — Gerontios Elefterios Ginnis, affectionately known as “George,” passed away Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the age of 80. In his final moments, he was surrounded by the laughter and love of his large family, including his beloved wife Nancy Campanale Ginnis.
George was born Feb. 3, 1946, to Elefterios and Antigoni Petrou Ginnis, in Kalymnos, a sun-drenched Greek island in the Aegean Sea. He spent his formative years there before emigrating to Youngstown on Oct. 20, 1960.
He was proud of his Greek heritage, and conversations with friends and family often bounced between English and Greek. In all those years, he never lost his Greek accent.
George married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church on July 22, 1967. Nancy was a devoted wife to George in all respects and even learned Greek so that she could speak with his parents; it was an expression of her deep love for George. Their marriage lasted almost 59 years and was filled with happiness, laughter, love and a core set of values and beliefs that they passed along to their three children, Antigoni “Tina” (Antoun) Dibo, Elefterios Ginnis (Alison Bingham) and Thomas (Charity) Ginnis.
Their children would tell you that George instilled strict discipline in them. Yet his 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren would describe him as a man always laughing and smiling. Indeed, their memories of him perfectly encapsulate George’s true self: a man who loved the sun, the beach, long walks, Cleveland sports and, most importantly, his large family.
George was always ready for a long walk through the park or, more preferably, along the beach. He enjoyed taking his family back to his home in Kalymnos, where he was proud to share his culture and heritage. George loved visiting Tarpon Springs, Florida, a Greek enclave where many friends and family lived and reminded him of his childhood home. He enjoyed long conversations, card games and time with his friends at the “coffee house.” He never missed an opportunity to pluck a fig off a tree, no matter where it was. He’d ask his great-grandsons whether his beloved Browns or Guardians would win this year, and he’d hold his great-granddaughters proudly. The youngest in his family knew him as nothing but a loving, kind and joyful man. More than anything, George wanted his family to celebrate holidays and life together, which they always did and will continue to do.
George built a career as a bridge painter with Painters Local #476 in Youngstown and was the proud owner of several painting companies in his lifetime. His sons followed in his footsteps.
He is survived by his siblings, Emmanuel Ginnis, Cathy Ginnis, Pete (Juliette) Ginnis, Fay (Mammas) Kokkinos and Nikolaos (Linda) Ginnis and his children. His beloved Nancy’s siblings were his own, including Francis (Bob) Betross, Nita Destafani, Anthony Campanale and Aggie Campanale.
He is further survived by his beloved grandchildren, Harriet (Zoran) Miling, Katarina (Josh) Vlosich, Georgenne Meris, Nicketas (Erika) Meris, Sophia Dibo, Annmarie Ginnis, Anthony Ginnis, George Ginnis, Mary Ginnis, Nathalie (Gassan) Mogabgab, Gabriel (Katie) Dibo, Anthony (Lauren) Dibo and George (Kaitlin) Dibo. Frankie Masimore held a special place in George’s heart.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Elefterios and Antigoni Petrou Ginnis, and his in-laws, Thomas and Harriett Campanale.
His family was blessed to have a man who instilled in them a strong work ethic, Christian values and a devotion to one another. George was a friend to all, and they will ensure that his memory remains eternal.
The family wishes to thank Father Constantine Ursache for his compassion and spiritual guidance; he provided calm and comfort when it was needed. They also wish to thank Caprice Senior Living, Akeso Home Health Care and Akeso Hospice for ensuring a comfortable journey in his final year, including all the nurses, aides and doctors who cared for him.
The Ginnis family has entrusted George’s care to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell.
Calling hours will be 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church in Boardman. A Divine Liturgy will follow thereafter.
George will be laid to rest in Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Cemetery following church services.
Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the Ginnis family.
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