- Date Of Birth: January 26, 1937
- Date Of Death: December 20, 2021
- State: Indiana
George A. Milakis lived a full and happy life in Lafayette, Indiana. He was the son of Greek immigrants Harry and Georgia Milakis and was born on January 26, 1937, the youngest of six children. Brothers William, Nick, Harry, Stanley, and sister Katherine, all preceded him in death. George graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School, a football and track athlete. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army in 1955 to serve in the Korean War. He passed away peacefully on December 20, 2021.
He married his high school sweetheart, Clara Ann Nelson, on April 22, 1957. They celebrated 64 years of a loving marriage, including raising five children and running a family restaurant, the Fifth Street Coney Island. Children Mark Milakis (Lisa) of Wentzville, MO, Nick Milakis (Becky) of Lafayette, IN, Greg Milakis (Brenda) of Lafayette, IN Julie Render (Robert) of Denver, CO, and Stephanie Joyce (Joe) of Lafayette, IN carry on the family legacy. The next generation includes 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who delighted George to no end. He was very proud of his family and loved them dearly.
George joined the family business in 1960, and he and Clara took it over and operated it for over 35 years. The Coney Island was founded in 1920 by his parents. The business saw enormous success mainly due to George’s outgoing personality, sense of humor, and hard work ethic. He never met a stranger and knew many of his customers by name. Customers would come from far and wide to enjoy famous coney dogs and homemade breaded tenderloins.
One of his passions was being the Scout Master of St. Boniface’s Boy Scout Troop 303. Under his leadership, the troop thrived to become one of Lafayette’s strongest and largest scout troops. He affected the lives of hundreds of youths over many years. Two of George’s sons and seven grandsons became Eagle Scouts, and his granddaughter enjoys scouting, too.
George loved fishing with his buddies, camping, wintering in Florida, dealing blackjack at Central Catholic Stag events, trips to Greece, cheering on his grandkids in sporting events, and being a part of Central Catholic’s Athletics Association. He was a faithful member of St. Boniface Parish. People loved George because George loved people. His personality made him the life of the party. He really did have a wonderful life. Here’s to you, Dad!
