George Tsaganos

George Tsaganos, 87, of Wilmington, Delaware, died Sunday, December 13, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

George was born in Greece to Haralambos Tsaganos and Constandina (Diamandopoulos). In 1951, still in high school, he came to the United States with his brother, Anthony, from Nafpaktos, Greece. He became a US citizen in 1956. He was appreciative of the opportunities afforded him but never forgot his family back home. A strong work ethic and tireless spirit enabled George to become successful in business, both, as a sole proprietor and in partnership with his brothers Anthony and Nicholas. His individual accomplishments include: being the assistant to the executive chef at the Waldorf Astoria and Statler Hilton (NY); the chef-owner of the Kent Manor Inn (DE) (1975 –1981); and owning commercial real estate, which included his sandwich shops, the Paper Plate and Peggy’s.

The business partnership included commercial real estate, the Embers Restaurant on Market St (1962-1975), the Melrose Restaurant on Delaware Ave, and Airport Liquors in New Castle (1975 – 2003). In his retirement, George still loved to cook for his family, especially Sunday dinners with his grandchildren. George will be remembered for his kindness, patience, and love for his entire family.

George is survived by his wife Alexandra (Ritsos) of 61 years, son Robert (Nicole), daughter Peggy, grandchildren Bianca-Alexis (Daniel), Alexa (Anthony), George, and Dimitri, siblings Anthony (Joanne) and Nicholas (Joanna) from Delaware, Vasiliki, Fotoula (Taki), and John (Theano) from Greece, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 808 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE 19806 or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780.