Obituary of George A. Maniatis

At the age of 92, George passed Tuesday, December 11th. George was born July 2, 1920 in Xirokampi, a small town outside Sparta, Greece, to the late Alexis & Marigo (Stavrakos) Maniatis. George was attending the University of Athens Law School when he immigrated to Canada during the Civil War in 1947. George was well known for operating the Riviera (1949 – 1985), Reversing Falls (1956 – 1994) and White House Lodge (1965 – 1975) Restaurants. His skills as a Restaurateur led him to serve several years as president of the New Brunswick Restaurant Association, vice-president and national director of the Restaurant Association of Canada and later to become an industry consultant. George also served as director of the Central Business Development Corporation of Saint John from 1986 to 1988. George was the last surviving founding member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church where he served as Chairman of the Trustees for many years. His commitment to church and community awarded him the "Greek Orthodox Order of Canada" in 1988 and in 2001 he was invested as an Archon within the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada). George was an extremely hard working entrepreneur that earned the respect from all who had the good fortune of his association. He became a member of the Grand Masonic Lodge of New Brunswick, Hibernia No.3 in 1955 and quietly helped many organizations and people in the community. George is survived by his cousins Artemis (Liakakos)Marevei, Dimitra Petrakos and her childrenVasiliki (Kiki), Bill, Litsa& Dino; and Peter, Deno& John Pappas. A special thank you to George’s caregiver and family friend of 22 years, Irene Bigney and also to the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital, transitional care unit. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Funeral Service will be held from Brenan's Chapel on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 10:00 am. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children in Montreal or to the charity of the donor’s choice.