March
14, 1948 - April 9, 2010SOUTH BEND - George G. Athens, 62, of South Bend, IN, died at 4:00 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2010, in his residence following a courageous, lengthy battle with lymphoma. George was born March 14, 1948, in Monolada, Greece, to the late Andreas and Elenitsa (Kolokitas) Harbilas, and had lived in South Bend most of his life. On September 25, 1983, in Mishawaka, IN, he married Peggy L. Hensler, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Nicholas A. Athens of Houston, TX; his brother, Dionyssios Harbilas, and a cousin, Spyridon Koutroulis, both of Greece; along with two nieces and two nephews in Greece. At the age of 6 he was adopted by his Aunt Emily Athens and moved from his home in Greece to South Bend where he was raised by her. On Nov. 25, 1959, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen. George loved talking to people and always had a hearty, ever-optimistic and positive attitude. He loved to laugh, tell a bad joke or two, and always enjoyed a good debate. He began his retail career with Thom McAn Shoe Stores, becoming one of their top salesmen and award-winning store manager. He began his own retail jewelry store, Athens Artifacts, at Scottsdale Mall which grew to four different locations, and finally to the present store, Athens Jewelers, at Concord Mall in Elkhart. A celebration of George's life will be observed at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 13th, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, with Rev. Dale Speckman of Zion United Church of Christ, Wakarusa, IN, officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 12th, in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.