Obituary: George Hadoulis, 68, of Oxford

Oxford - George Hadoulis died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 25 from pancreatic cancer. He was the husband of Anna Marie (Vena) Hadoulis. He was born on February 1, 1949 in Bridgeport, the son of the late Nicholas and Helen (Lampropoulos) Hadoulis and was a longtime resident of Oxford.

A U.S. Army veteran, he owned and operated a string of successful diners throughout his life. He was an avid fisherman and car enthusiast. His happiest moments were spent with his family, at the lake, or under the hood of a car. He was a devoted father who never missed a single school play, dance recital or basketball game. His children were his life.

George began his restaurant career with his father, Nicholas, in the late 1960's when they opened Raymond's Restaurant in Newtown. Shortly thereafter, they also opened the Monroe Diner on Route 25.
After his father's death in 1973, he bought the Village Restaurant in Newtown. His business continued to grow, and he added several additions to keep up with the demand.

He sold the village in 1988, and opened up the Atlantis Diner on Orange Street in New Haven. He found he missed the small town atmosphere, and in 1990, opened the Atlantis Diner in Southbury, which he operated for six years. He had many loyal customers who followed him during those moves.

He attempted a career change for several years, but realized the diner business was his true passion. His search for another business led him to the Atlantis Diner in Naugatuck, which he owned and operated with his wife, Anna Marie, for the next 17 years, until his death.

Besides his wife of 39 years, he leaves his children, Danielle Kacerguis and her husband Matt, of Bethlehem, Michael Hadoulis of Seymour, and Elyse Hadoulis and her fiance, Kyle Neukom, of Naugatuck; two grandchildren, Mia and Jason Kacerguis; a sister, Angie Mihalakopoulos and her husband, Leo, of Trumbull, and a niece and nephew. He also leaves Carmine (Butch) Verdi, his longtime friend of nearly sixty years, whom he regarded as a brother.

A burial took place on April 28th in the Southford Cemetery in Oxford. Arrangements by Carpino Funeral Home, Southbury.