George A. Chipouras - Obituary

eorge A. Chipouras, (Lt. Colonel, USAF, Retired), 93, died on September 26, 2016, at Jackson South Community Hospital in Miami, FL. Born on October 22, 1922, in Washington, DC to the late Arthur and Virginia Chipouras, George was educated in DC public elementary and high schools. He earned a Masters and Bachelors degree in political science with a minor in psychology from The American International College of Springfield, MA and a Masters in business administration/ business management from the University of Miami. Lt. Colonel Chipouras served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and later U.S. Air Force from 1942-70 at duty stations spanning the globe. He was on active duty during World War II, the Korean Conflict and for two tours in Vietnam. Lt. Colonel Chipouras was a highly decorated officer, having been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Medal and Purple Heart just to name a few. His duties included expertise as a navigator/ bombardier with specialties in thermonuclear weaponry and special missions planning. After retiring from the military, he relocated to Miami, FL where he worked as the Director of Construction Administration and Management with Ferendino, Grafton, Spillis and Candella, an architectural and engineering firm. Later, he was the Director of Facilities Planning and Construction Management for the University of Miami, finally retiring again in 1988. Beginning in 1956, Lt. Colonel Chipouras became very active in all aspects of the Masonic Bodies and the Shriners, where he held many prestigious positions. He was very proud to be recognized as the Grand General Grand Council Cryptic Masons International Ambassador to Greece and as the State Chapter Dad and Honorary Legion of Honor for the International Order of DeMolay. He also served on the Jurisprudence Committees and was the Grand Commander of the Florida State Illustrious 33rd Degree of the Southern Jurisdiction Scottish Rite. Lt. Colonel Chipouras was a member of the American International College and the University of Miami alumni associations, the Retired Officers Association, the Construction Specifications Institute, St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Miami, FL and Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis,MD. In addition to his parents, Lt. Colonel Chipouras was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Alice Chipouras and his sisters, Anastassia and Felicia Chipouras. He is survived by his children, Arthur G. Chipouras and Virginia S. Thomas; his son in law, Tommy Thomas; his grandchildren, Cynthia Lynn and Mike Pozdol and Steven Thomas and he was the loving and proud Popou to his great-grandchildren, Michael and Kelsey Pozdol. He will be remembered fondly and faithfully by his family and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate George's life from 5 to 8pm on Wednesday at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Funeral service will be held at 11am on Thursday, October 6 at Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401. Interment with full military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Online condolences may be made by accessing the link on this page.