George Harry Koulouvardis

George Koulouvardis, 81, Newports last cobbler, dedicated to his family, friends, community and church, passed away on Jan. 15, 2014.George, a lifelong resident of Newport, graduated from Rogers High School in 1950. He then joined the US Navy, where he was proud to serve aboard the USS Coral Sea, one of the Navy's largest aircraft carriers. He did 3 tours in the Mediterranean where he was able to visit his parent's homeland and a true love of George's, Greece.He returned home to Newport where he took over the family shoe business, "R.I. Shoe Repair". Until the past year, there had been a Koulouvardis shoe repair shop on Thames St since 1920. A common sight in the store would be George and his close friends solving the problems of the world, or at least of the Red Sox, over a cup of coffee. The biggest problem being more friends than chairs in the store.George had many passions. He was an extreme Red Sox Fan and season ticket holder George loved The Opera, the Patriots and Newport Creamery Coffee Ice Cream. George was a dedicated member of St. Spyridon's Greek Orthodox Church where he served as Parish Council President and is the Godfather of St.Spyridon's Church. George was also a member of AHEPA where he served as President. He was an active member of St. Paul's Masonic Lodge.George was predeceased by his parents Harry Koulouvardis, Helen (Michaelopoulous) Koulouvardis, his brothers Charlie and John, and his sister Catherine, as well as niece Helen Nelson and nephew Harry Koulouvardis. He is survived by great nieces and nephews; Melissa (Nelson) Pinheiro and her husband John of Newport, Katina Koulouvardis and Christopher Koulouvardis of Florida, and his cousins Betty Ann Gallo and Anne Mudge, and their families of RI. He is also survived by his companion Holly Phillips and many beloved friends of all ages.Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 19 from 3:00-6:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.His funeral will be held on Monday, January 20 at 9:00am from the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Service at 10:00am in St. Spyridons Greek Orthodox Church, Thames Street, Newport. Burial will be in Middletown Cemetery, Turner and Wyatt Road, Middletown.Donations may be made to the St. Spyridon's Greek Orthodox Church, PO Box 427, Newport, RI 02840. Cemetery Details Middletown Four Corners Cemetery Turner and Wyatt Roads Middletown, RI, 02842 Visitation JAN 19. 03:00 PM - 06:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service JAN 20. 10:00 AM St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church 390 Thames Street Newport, RI, US, 02840