WESTFIELD – George A. Varelas, born May 15, 1931, oldest son of the late Andrew and Eleni Varelas, died April 26, 2020, of complications of COVID19. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary (nee Koufalexis) and son in law Steve Ryan. He leaves behind his children and grandchildren, Elaine Varelas Ryan, Jillian Ryan, Andrew Varelas, Diana (D’Alma) , Dean Varelas, Laurie (White ), Dean and Alex Varelas, and his treasured chihuahua, Angie . He leaves his dear brother and sister Spiro Varelas and Maria Lazarus of Greece, and their families. George also leaves Tom Matheos and family, Jim Matheos and family, Irene McCusker and family, Tony Buijanarowski and family, and Sean Ryan and family.
George was born in Athens Greece in 1931, and served in the Greek Army. He met Mary who was in Greece visiting relatives in 1956. After a whirlwind courtship, they married, and honeymooned as they sailed back to the U.S. They settled in Westfield, Mary’s home town, living with Mary’s mother, the late Grammateke Koufalexis, who was also a Greek immigrant. George was a dedicated student of the English language. He worked at Foster machines as a machinist while he continued his language studies, and acclimated to his new country. George was a dedicated parishioner of St. George Cathedral in Springfield MA. He was an active volunteer, teaching Greek school, taking leadership roles on the church board, and as a cook at the annual Glendi fund raiser. George became a police officer in Westfield in 1963, and was promoted to Sergeant and then Lieutenant. He was a strong believer in education and completed a BS in Criminal Justice and Masters in Psychology at Westfield State College. George, though Greek to the core, loved Westfield and the United States, and had a commitment to service. He was encouraged by many to run for Mayor, and supported by his wife Mary, was elected to the first of four consecutive 2 year terms in 1985. During his tenure as mayor, George, an avid supporter of public education built and annexed public schools retiring from office at 65, at the conclusion of his last term.
A private service will be held April 30, 2020. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 22 St. George Road, Springfield MA
