George Tsalaky
December 13, 1927 - December 28, 2013
George Tsalaky, 86, beloved brother, uncle, friend and teacher died peacefully on December 28th, 2013 in Salt Lake City.
He was born December 13th, 1927 in Provo, Utah to Theophilus John and Aphrodite Sevdalis Tsalaky. He graduated from Provo High, served honorably in the United States Army then returned home and earned his degree and teaching certificate at Brigham Young University. He taught at Backman Elementary for 29 years. After his retirement he volunteered at the school tutoring children in reading until he was 84.
George was an unassuming, kind and gentle man that touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his brothers Ernie (Joan) Tsalaky of Salt Lake City, Tony Tsalaky of Seattle, WA; sister Eva (Jerry) Costacos of Seattle, WA; sister-in-law Molly Tsalaky of Post Falls, ID; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and brother Theophilus John Tsalaky.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 7th at 11:30 AM at the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 5335 Highland Dr., Salt Lake City. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, January 6th from 6 to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where Trisagion will being at 7:00 PM. Complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. Interment will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City. Makaria to follow at the Prophet Elias Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Prophet Elias Church Sunday School at www.gocslc.org
In Loving Memory
I am going to miss Uncle George sitting next to us in church. I looked forward to seeing his smiling face on Sundays. May his memory be eternal. Forgive me for not being able to pay my respects as I am out of town.
Denise Vilven
Holladay, Ut
Mr. Tsalaky was my 5th grade teacher at Backman Ele. in the 1959-60 school year. He was one of my very favorite teachers. He was such a good teacher and was so kind. My sympathy goes out to your family.
Karen Malmstrom Hermansen
West Bountiful, Ut
George would visit with me in the library at Backman Elementary when he tutored. He always had some sort of chocolate treat for the children and would offer it to the teachers as well. He was always so positive and kind.
Janice Clayton
Bountiful, Ut
Always involved in a quiet, unassuming way, George had a smile and an incredibly positive attitude no matter what. I'm sure he inspired more people than we'll ever know because of his quiet, kind ways. The stories from 'Provo-Days' will live on a long time! Eva, I'm sorry I can't be with you and your family in person. I would have loved to see you after so many years. Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Tia Davis Korologos
Draper, Ut
Mr. Tsalaky was my 4th grade teacher at Backman Elementary and by far the most influential of all my teachers. My oldest son, Kolby was also lucky enough to have him when he attended Backman. Mr. Tsalaky was a kind man who listened to your words, understood your needs, pointed you in the right direction and always did this with a smile and a piece of candy. I was lucky enough to work with (George) Mr. Tsalaky a few years before he retired. Retirement did not stop him from coming and teaching the children of Backman. I will miss him! The stars will shine a little brighter with him up above us. Thank you, Mr. Tsalaky for being what a teacher should be, a ?True Teacher?.
Colleen Dahl Reber Baird
Salt Lake City, Ut
I was the secretary at Backman Elementary when George taught school. We shared many good conversations. He was always a polite and thoughtful man. I am sorry that I could not attend his service but I am thinking of him. My condolences go out to his family.
Janet Woodruff
Salt Lake City, Ut