George Chronis

In Loving Memory of George Chronis.

July 17, 1938 - March 9, 2024

George Chronis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and cherished member of the community, passed away on March 9, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his wife Eleftheria, son James Chronis. He is survived by beloved daughters Helen Kardias and Olga Pharmakides, and son-in-law William Kardias. George was a proud grandfather of his grandchildren Michael and Alexis Kardias, Victoria and Jimmy Chronis.

George is survived by sisters Marina Chambarry and Kathy George and many nieces and nephews.

George was born in Athens, Greece, to Demetrios and Eleni Chronis, the only son with five sisters - Mary, Ourania, Barbara, Marina, and Kathy. George immigrated to the United States at the age of 17 to build a new life. He would go on to live what many would consider the American Dream, and touched countless lives along the way. Upon arriving in the U.S., he settled in Alabama, where he met the love of his life Ellie, in an English class, and together they embarked on a new chapter in New York City.

After settling into life in New York, George and Ellie got married and started their family soon welcoming James “Jimmy”, Helen, and Olga. He went on to move his family to North Bergen where he bought his first restaurant, the P&L, and would start what would be a legacy of owning and operating restaurants in New Jersey.

The next decades would be marked by his dedication to growing his restaurants and building community for fellow operators. He went on to buy and sell the Kless Diner, Stanley’s Restaurant, and the Cranford Diner. Many remember George and Ellie for their long ownership of the beloved Stanley’s Restaurant where they shared their Greek culture and traditions through countless recipes. They made everyone who walked through the door feel like family.

One of George’s shining accomplishments was being a founding member and President of the Pan Gregorian Enterprises (PGE). What started in 1983 as 6 Greek restaurant owners who met each week in the back of their restaurants to discuss the food business, grew to more than 800 members. Today, the PGE is a well-organized cooperative, saving members millions of dollars, and creating programs to foster new business opportunities.

George’s legacy extends far beyond his professional achievements - a warm, larger-than-life figure who loved to share stories and his passion for cooking. George loved to travel with his friends and sisters, never said no to a fishing trip, watched every Greek national soccer game, loved making sure his pool was ready for a family BBQ at any point in the summer, and always called you just to say hi and check-on you. His presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

A celebration of George’s life will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 250 Gallows Hill Rd., Westfield, NJ. Visitation will be from 10:15-11:00 am, with services beginning directly after. Friends and family are invited to honor his memory and share stories of his extraordinary life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the American Heart Association in George’s honor.

May his memory be a blessing and his spirit live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.