George T. Foundotos

February 21, 1939 - July 20, 2019

FOUNDOTOS – George T, age 80, of Saint James, passed away on July 20, 2019. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, George was born in The Bronx on February 21, 1939 to Athanasios Foundotos and Zoe Stavropoulos Foundotos. After the passing of his father, he became the stepson of Antonios Kalas and later, stepbrother to Spyro Kalas. Upon graduation from Brooklyn Technical High School, he attended Hofstra University before entering the U.S. Army, serving for two years in Germany in the 24th Infantry Division Finance Office. He began his financial career upon his return to the United States, when in 1962 he secured a position in the field of accounting. He completed a B.B.A. in Accounting from Adelphi University, and later earned a M.S. in Accounting from C.W. Post Center of Long Island University. A career Certified Public Accountant, George served clients throughout Long Island for five decades, including as a founder of the accounting firm of Coughlin, Foundotos, Cullen & Danowski in Port Jefferson Station. As a charter member of the Board of the Suffolk County Chapter of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, his love of the profession led to his service with the NYSSCPA in various capacities, including as President. A life-long educator, George also promoted the accounting field among new generations, mentoring countless students as Professor of Accounting at Dowling College for 45 years, and was recognized for his service by receiving The Dowling College Distinguished Citizen Award in 1987. A strong belief in public service led him to become the Controller of the Town of Islip (1968) and an appointment to the Town’s Board of Ethics (1969). Shortly before retirement from his accounting practice, he pursued a passion for adventure by getting his motorcycle license and becoming a proud Harley-Davidson owner and rider. George was an active member of the LI Harley Riders Chapter of the Harley Owners Group where he served as treasurer, and garnered many close friends and fond memories of road trips across the country. An active member of the community, George belonged to numerous local and national organizations, including St. George’s Golf & Country Club, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, and organizations devoted to science and the conservation of the Earth. He was a devout parishioner of St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church of Blue Point and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in New York City. He was warm, jovial and made friends wherever he went. He could put a smile on anyone’s face with a cheerful greeting, broad smile, and nickname that made you feel special. He was a close listener, insightful, observant, and a reliable friend. He was a voracious reader, bursting with curiosity, always thirsting for knowledge and encouraging others to do the same. His many passions included travel, Sherlock Holmes, history, botany, riding his Harley, and his grandchildren. George is survived by: his beloved wife of 55 years, Georgia; daughter Zoe; son-in-law George Kostas; grandchildren Stavroula and John (Yanni); brother-in-law Andrew Boutsikakis, sisters-in-law in Greece Katina Kotsifakis and Katina Fourakis; and nephews John, Manny, Steve and George, and Andrew; nieces Korina, Efrosini, and Stella; and their families. Family and friends are invited to a viewing on July 23, 2019, at 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 7:00 - 9:00 PM, at Robertaccio Funeral Home, 85 Medford Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772. Funeral services will be held on July 24, 2019, at 10:30 AM, at St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church, 77 Montauk Highway, Blue Point, NY 11715. He will be laid to rest at Hauppauge Rural Cemetery, 448 Townline Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in George’s name to St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Blue Point,77 Montauk Hwy, Blue Point, NY 11715 https://www.stjohnsbluepoint.org and the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in New York City, 302 W 91st St, New York, NY 10024 http://www.annunciation-nyc.org .