George Theodore Anas, 78, of Portsmouth, Virginia, passed away on August 28, 2025.
George was born in Newport News to Theodore George Anas and Helen Zambetis Anas and grew up in downtown Newport News in a traditional Greek family-centered home as the baby of the family with three older sisters. Working at the family business, Rainbow Soda Shop, he had full rein of the ice cream counter at a young age.
At Newport News High School, he was a record-holding pole vaulter. He attended Old Dominion College and graduated from Christopher Newport College (now University) with a degree in Psychology.
George met his “bride”, Jacquelyn (Jackie), on a blind date on New Year’s Eve 1968. Together, they built a wonderful life with their two daughters, Katherine and Suzanne. As the girls grew up, George was an involved father who acted as PTA president, chaperoned Girl Scout trips, explained the rules of football to Little League cheerleaders, and taught his daughter to drive stick shift.
He was a devoted member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Newport News, serving as an altar boy and a member of the Parish Council. He was a member of the church choir for most of his adult life. He joined the Sons of Pericles as a teenager before being initiated into the Order of AHEPA. In the fifty-three years of his membership, he served in many roles, including chapter president and district governor.
George spent a life in public service helping those less fortunate navigate through life, working for Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board.
Most of all, George will be remembered as a man of faith, service, and family. He was a gentle soul and a calm, loving presence who loved spending time with his family and friends, teaching his grandchildren to play Blackjack, cheering on the New York Yankees and the Washington Commanders, and watching old westerns. He was a proud Papou, always boasting about his grandchildren’s accomplishments in theatre, karate, and baseball. He enjoyed spending time with lifelong friends and koumbari Nick and Kathy Matthews and Chris and Helen Louis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Ellen and Eugene Smith, his nephew Alan Smith, and his brother-in-law Chuck Thomas.
He is survived by his wife Jackie; daughters Katherine (Adam) Birnbaum of Burke, Virginia, and Suzanne (Bryan) Jurich of Chesterfield, Missouri; and his beloved grandchildren – Hayley and Ryan Birnbaum, Connor and Ethan Jurich. He is also survived by his sisters Christine Thomas of Midland, Texas, and Mary Anas of Newport News; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ken and Trish Pfeifer; his niece Shannon (Claudio) Lenisa and nephews Steven (Kristy) Smith, Charlie (Elizabeth) Thomas, and Zack Thomas and their families; his goddaughter, RaNetta Mitchum; and many cousins and extended family members.
Visitation will be held at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday, September 9, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Trisagion service beginning at 7:00. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 10, at 11:30 a.m. at the church, followed by burial at Peninsula Memorial Park. Afterwards, friends and family are invited to attend a Makaria (mercy meal) at the church’s Hellenic Community Center.
Memorial donations may be made to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, the church choir, or the Order of AHEPA.
15 Comments
We are devastated by the loss of this beautiful soul, a kind, loving, gentle man, with a lovely sense of humor that eased any conflicts. He was a beloved member of our Saints Constantine and Helen choir and made rehearsals a lively event each week. I will fondly remember his insistence that electrical tape will fix anything! He will be dearly missed. Memory eternal. And our deepest sympathy to Jackie and the entire Anas family. With our love –
Thank you Renee and Scott. George loved singing in the choir with you. Miss seeing you. God bless. Love, Jackie
Good bless you with the comfort of fond memories.
George was an extraordinary man. Always so welcoming and kind. Ever since I was little he was one of the smiling faces I looked for. I am forever thankful to him showing me pictures of He and Dad when they were little. He will be missed dearly. May his memory be eternal
May our dear friend RIP
Thank you so much for your condolences Pete and Joanna. Love, Jackie
A wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. He will be sorely missed. I am blessed to have known George, I will always remember his warm smile and sense of humor.
Jackie, so sorry to hear about your devoted husband. Praying that God will give comfort and peace to you and your family.
Linda Smith (Portsmouth Public Library)
“His memory will surely be eternal, living on in the hearts and minds of his AHEPA Brothers, whom he inspired and with whom he shared countless cherished moments.”
Chris, I am truly sorry for the loss of your little brother- God Bless
Jackie and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of George. What a gentle soul who always had a genuine smile for everyone. Tom remembers, with fondness, their time together with Sons of Pericles. May his memory be eternal. ❤️
Jackie, Katherine and Suzanne, what a beautiful tribute to your loving husband and father. George was a person of deep faith, he knew his wonderful family was his greatest Blessing. Additional, the blessing of friendship was important. George had a beautiful smile, and portrayed calming sense of kindness to everyone. George shared his big heart to all May the dear LORD grant Jackie and the Anas family peace and comfort. His memory will truly be eternal.
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and peace in God’s wonderful promise to wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more. -Revelation 21:4 Condolences
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Anas family at this time. George was a lovely man, always kind and helpful and a great husband, dad, and grand-dad. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, George, in the arms of a loving God.
Love, Lin Fillhart and Will Jamerson
George was not only my first cousin, but also a wonderful example of kindness, faith, and devotion to family. His gentle spirit and warm presence touched everyone who knew him. I will always remember him with love and respect, and I’m grateful for the time we shared as family. May his memory be eternal.