Greenfield, MA – George Balis, 90, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother passed away on April 6, 2026. He was born in Nestani, Greece on August 16, 1935, the son of Chris and Vasiliki (Kotaras) Balis.
He married Elani on September 21, 1961. They spent fifty-six happy years together before her passing on January 13, 2018.
George Balis came to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. He achieved his American dream and became the owner and operator of Village Pizza in Greenfield for 60 years. His ambition to succeed shaped the values he carried throughout life-resilience and a deep commitment to purpose.
Despite, formally retiring after 60 years, George was dedicated to his dream, and could still be found at the restaurant sitting on the stool behind the counter, observing and greeting the customers. He appreciated the incredible support of the community and customers, who became friends.
As well as a successful business owner, George was a loyal Boston sports fan faithfully cheering on the Patriots, Celtics, and Red Sox. He had a passion for travelling back to Greece in the summers, and outdoor walks around Greenfield. But, his greatest joy was simpler, time spent with family, especially gathered around the table with delicious food and laughter. His deep love for family and faith remained constant in his life. He was an active member and philanthropist of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Holyoke. George’s quiet wisdom and generosity will live on in our hearts forever cherished and deeply missed.
George is survived by his daughter, Betty Gioules and her husband Jim of Greenfield and their three children, Costas and his wife Nicole, George and his wife Britney, and Maria; his son, Chris Balis and his wife Petroula of Greenfield and their three children, Elani and her husband Dean Karahalios, Vicki, and George; as well as his youngest son John Balis and his wife Demetria of Greenfield and their two children, George, and Eleni and her husband Dimitri Lykopoulos. George leaves his eight great grandchildren Penelope, Dimitri, Matt, Daniel, Addison, Cora, Stephanie, and Christina.
He also leaves his brother, Demetrios Balis and sister Eleni Karabatsos, both of Connecticut; as well as many more family and friends in Greece and America.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday 4/15 at 11am at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 410 Main Street, Holyoke, MA. Burial will follow at Green River Cemetery in Greenfield.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday evening from 5-7pm at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield.
For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.
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