George Panichas of Branford passed away on Sept. 8 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was the long-time companion of Sally Small of Branford. He was the brother of Peter Panichas (Rose) of Cheshire and Mary Jane Gaetano of Hamden. He is also survived by his stepson, Michael DeRosa (Jill) of Tampa, Florida; his step-grandchildren, Stephanie Morgillo (Joseph) of Branford and Christopher DeRosa (Kerri) of North Branford; his step-great-grandchildren, Macayla and Liam Morgillo; his nieces, Keri Banack (Trevor) of Cheshire, and Maria Conlon (Tom) of Wallingford; and nephew Richard Giamette of New Haven; his great-nephews and nieces: Mason, Blake, Tess, TJ, Mark, and Taylor.

George was born in New Haven on Jan. 2, 1944, a son of John and Jennie Matsagas Panichas. He graduated from Hillhouse High School and went on to the Air National Guard. He was the co-owner of Krafty Kakes in Wallingford for several years. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew him.

Friends called on Sept. 12 at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, with a service being held afterward. Burial followed in St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, 749 East Main St., Branford, CT 06405. Please see his online memorial @ www.wsclancy.com.