OBITUARY:
Paul 66, left this world on July 16, 2015 surrounded in love by those he held most dear.

Apostolos Georgokopoulos (Paul Georgas) was born robustly into this world on February 28, 1949 in his family’s home in the small village of Kopanaki, Greece. The youngest of 4 surviving children, he was born to Ioannis (John) Georgokopoulos and Evyenia (Jean) Mantzeoros. Paul was a carefree and active child who loved to tell stories of his childhood in Greece including eating fresh watermelons, drinking fresh goats milk, and playing soccer with a ball made from a goat’s bladder.

In search of a better life, Paul immigrated, with his brother and sister, to the United States in April of 1962 at the age of 13 where he joined his parents and eldest sister in South Dakota. As a new US citizen, Paul quickly learned the English language and enveloped himself in American culture. He proudly attended North Junior High School and graduated from Rapid City High School in 1968. During these years he was a strong all around athlete, participating and lettering in football, track and wrestling.

In search of the American dream, Paul graduated from Black Hills State University in 1972 with a degree in Special Education. He was a dedicated teacher in the Rapid City school district, teaching at Horace Mann Elementary and Rapid City Central High School, and retired in 2004 after 32 years of teaching.

In keeping with his Greek heritage, of utmost importance to Paul was his family. Always a firm believer in family and tradition coming first, he raised his children in direct reflection of his actions. Each child was encouraged in loving success to be their best in every activity that they accomplished, from sports, to music, to education and their careers. Proud of his heritage, he took each of his children individually at young ages to Greece. Summers were spent traveling the US and the world; camping, fishing and boating in the Black Hills.

Following retirement, Paul was able to live life to the fullest in partnership with his wife Teri. Ever the handyman, he spent his leisure time taking care of his many homes and rentals, traveling to his favorite gambling city, Las Vegas, enjoying hunting and returning many times to Greece with Teri and his children. However over the last decade, his first and most heart felt role became that of beloved “Papouli” (grandpa). As his grandchildren were born, Papouli centered his life on their happiness; babysitting, playing, going to all music and sport events and being the main provider of all candied treats.

Paul has left a legacy that will not be forgotten by many. He has touched the lives of countless people and has embodied the true meaning of “agape”. We will love you always.

Paul is survived by his wife of 25 years, Teri Georgas; 4 children: daughters Evanthea Georgas; Alexia Georgas Gillen and husband Dean Gillen; son, Yanni Georgas and wife Averie Georgas all of Rapid City, SD; and daughter Christena Georgas-Burns and husband Sean Burns of Spokane, WA; 4 grandchildren: Evyenia and Elias Gillen and Apostolos (Apollo) and Nikos Georgas; and many surviving family and friends in both the United States and Greece whom he held very close to his heart.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, 629 Kansas City St Rapid City, on Wednesday July 22, 2015 at 10:00. Following services, burial will be at Mountain View Cemetery and fellowship at First UMC.