George A. Karlis, 93, of Somerset, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025. Born in Chandrinos, Greece (in the Peloponnesus) on April 15, 1932, George immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in August of that same year. He grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, and attended Snyder High School, where he played football, basketball, and baseball.

During the Korean War, George enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. After his service, he attended the University of Colorado at Boulder on the GI Bill, where he played football and earned a degree in Economics with a minor in Geology. He later received a master's degree in Labor Relations from Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

George began his career in Labor Relations and Human Resources at Western Electric Company in Kearny, New Jersey. It was there that he met the love of his life, Doris (née Votyko). They married in 1964 and raised two sons in Old Bridge and Bridgewater, New Jersey. His last residence before his passing was in Somerset, New Jersey.

George loved his family more than anything in life. Spending time with his wife and sons, and later his grandchildren and great-grandchild, was his greatest joy. He enjoyed working around the house, doing yard work, attending his son's sporting events, and later his grandchildren's activities, and always sharing meals with family—whether a big dinner or a quick bite at the diner. It was always about family with George and family always came first. He truly loved his life and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Doris; his sons George (and his wife Karen), and Michael; eight grandchildren—Anthony (and his wife Dana), Alexander (and his wife Andrea), Gabrielle (and her husband Josh), Andrew, Colette, Alyssa, Valerie, and Nicole; and his great-granddaughter Emery. He is also survived by his sister Mary Syperski and numerous nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Stavroula Karlis; his brothers John and Nestor; and his daughter-in-law Donna.

George's life was an example of the American dream and a testament to love, resilience, and devotion to family. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A viewing will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025 from 4pm-7pm at the Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 Rt. 202 South, Branchburg, NJ 08876.

A prayer service will begin at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 9:15am. Funeral mass to take place at St. Bernard Church at 10am in Bridgewater, NJ. Burial to follow at St. Bernard Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in George's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.