George Peter Fatolitis, age 63, of Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away on March 17, 2022. George was born on December 28, 1958, in Youngstown, Ohio to Mary Ann (Texter) Fatolitis and Peter G. Fatolitis and was the second of four siblings. When George was a child his family moved from Youngstown, Ohio to Tarpon Springs, FL. After moving to Florida, George embraced his new life as a child, spending time exploring the area around his new home. After graduating from Tarpon Springs High School Class of 1976, George excelled in field of retail management. While working as a manager for several local grocery chains, George spent his free time training and working as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. This led to George transitioning to a full-time career in public safety. After spending many years working in the fire service, George transitioned to a career as a public-school teacher, working for the Pinellas County School Board. George worked as a science teacher for 20 years, retiring from his position at Clearwater Fundamental Middle School last year. One of George’s most proud accomplishments was completing his doctoral degree in educational leadership in 2017. George’s passions included his love for traveling, especially with his family, and his interest in space exploration. Before his death, George’s most recent passion was the work he spent authoring a book on space travel and the history of NASA. George is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 30 years, Linda, and his three children, Kristin, Pete, and Nick. George is also survived by six grandchildren, Sabrina, Haylee, Corrine, Zoey, Silas, and Quintin. George is also survived by the children that he educated over the years at Kennedy Middle School and Clearwater Fundamental Middle School, who’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics will be the everlasting impact that he has made on our Earth.
Services will be held at the Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home in Tarpon Springs, FL on April 2, 2022. Visitation with the family will be from 2:00pm to 3:30pm, with a service to follow from 3:30pm to 4:00pm. The family will be having a celebration after the services. George’s plan for eternity will be to have his ashes scattered on the tallest peak in North America: Denali, in Alaska, where he can complete his circle of life and return to the earth in one of his favorite places.
Denise Svetich
April 1, 2022, 12:49 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. God rest his soul.
Evangeline Schmeltz
April 1, 2022, 1:49 pm
So sorry for the loss of such a dedicated man to the education of children. I’m so sorry I didn’t get to know him later in his life. I met the family when we were young children. My mother and their father were 1st cousins. I’m sure he will be missed by all who knew him.
Much love and condolences,
Cousin Evangeline Mixis Schmeltz
Emily Carney
April 1, 2022, 4:17 pm
I lead a Facebook group about spaceflight called Space Hipsters, and George was an integral part of our group – we enjoyed so many wonderful events, and made fantastic memories. I will miss him terribly. He was a truly great teacher, and a passionate advocate. I regret due to recent surgery I will be unable to attend his memorial service, but I wanted to send my deepest sympathies to his family. His memory is a blessing.
Tim Gagnon
April 2, 2022, 12:31 am
May his soul explore the universe that captured his imagination. My condolences to Linda and the family.
Lois Huneycutt
April 2, 2022, 1:27 am
I’m also a member of the Space Hipsters Community and wanted to let you know how important George was to the group. We do a lot of giveaways and fundraisers for museums and scholarships to Space Camp, and George was always contacting me wanting to donate a book or other item to help out. We had some great conversations about historic preservation, and I will miss him very much. My condolences to his family members.
Stasie
April 2, 2022, 2:04 am
George was such a great cousin and confidant in high school.
Each time I’d make it back home we would catch up like it was yesterday. Georgie, I love and remember all the good you did for me. Your memory will remain eternal. Kalo Paradiso agori mas. Cousin Stasie
Dustin Snyder
April 2, 2022, 5:03 am
Farewell George, thank you for sharing your wisdom, knowledge and enthusiasm. Thanks to your postings on the Space Hipsters group I learned about the Moon Trees planted from seeds flown on the Apollo moon missions and that there were some near me. Next time I visit one I’ll be thinking of you.
Nonie
April 2, 2022, 2:42 pm
Prayers for you and your family
Neil Pope
April 2, 2022, 9:07 pm
GodSpeed George.
You exemplified the very best of what makes the Space Hipsters group such a special collection of individuals. Your infectious enthusiasm, depth of knowledge and willingness to share it will be sorely, sorely, missed.
Go in peace and the anvil rings for you here tonight.
Laura Gerst
April 2, 2022, 9:59 pm
So sorry for your loss Thoughts an prayers are sent to you Laura Gerst
Doug Wene
April 3, 2022, 8:16 pm
Great High School friend. I was fortunate to spend two days with George in February while on a trip to Florida. He’d promised to stop at my house on his next trip the Houston NASA. Great guy and I know the TS Class of 1976 lost one of our best.