March 14, 1948 – April 9, 2010

 George G. Athens, 62, of South Bend, IN died at 4:00 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2010 in his residence following a courageous, lengthy battle with Lymphoma.  George was born March 14, 1948 in Monolada, Greece to the late Andreas and Elenitsa (Kolokitas) Harbilas and had lived in South Bend most of his life.  On September 25, 1983 in Mishawaka, IN he married Peggy L. Hensler who survives.  Also surviving is a son, Nicholas A. Athens of Houston, TX; his brother Dionyssios Harbilas and a cousin Spyridon Koutroulis both of Greece along with two nieces and two nephews in Greece.

At the age of 6 he was adopted by his Aunt Emily Athens and moved from his home in Greece to South Bend where he was raised by her. On Nov. 25, 1959 he became a naturalized U.S. Citizen.

George loved talking to people and always had a hearty, ever optimistic and positive attitude.  He loved to laugh, tell a bad joke or two, and always enjoyed a good debate.  

He began his retail career with Thom McAn Shoe Stores becoming one of their top salesmen and award winning store manager. He began his own retail jewelry store Athens Artifacts at Scottsdale Mall which grew to four different locations and finally to the present store Athens Jewelers at Concord Mall in Elkhart.  He was the owner of Athens Artifacts, Inc. in Elkhart.

   A celebration of George’s life will be observed at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 13^th in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Rd., South Bend, with Rev. Dale Speckman of Zion United Church of Christ, Wakarusa, IN officiating.  Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery.  Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday, April 12^th in the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN, 46637.  Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com. 

Charitable donations may be made in George's memory to the following organization:

Center for Hospice and Palliative Care
111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637