George Antonatos

George Antonatos, beloved husband, father, and esteemed member of the dental community, passed away on July 14, 2024, in St. Augustine, FL, at the age of 93. George was born on August 19, 1930, in Paleon Faliro, Greece, the son of Spyridon and Efthymia (nee Paleoroutas) Antonatos. George received his dental degree from the University of Athens in Greece. He served in the Greek Army as a dentist for three years and then operated a private dental practice in Athens, Greece for four years. Next, he was granted a fellowship in the Guggenheim dental clinic in New York, New York, and then another fellowship in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Reading, Pennsylvania. For George to have a dental practice of his own in the United States, he had to attend and graduate from a dental school within the United States. This meant he needed to repeat dental school. Accordingly, George attended the dental school of the University of Missouri and was awarded the DDS degree in 1967. In 1969 George moved to Montreal, Canada where he had a private practice for two years. While there, George met his wife-to-be Helen, and the two were married in 1971. Together, George and Helen returned to Missouri so George could serve as Chief of the dental department at Fulton State Hospital for one year before moving to and settling in St. Augustine, Florida. George practiced dentistry in St. Augustine for 24 years before retiring in 1997. He earned the nickname “painless dentist” among his many patients. A devout member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, George found solace and community in his faith. He was also a member of the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association and Florida Dental Association. Beyond his professional achievements, George had a love for nature and simple pleasures. He enjoyed watching sunsets, tending to his garden, and indulging in light woodworking projects. George was married to his beloved wife, Helen Antonatos, for 53 years. Their enduring love and partnership were a source of strength and joy for their family and friends. George is survived by his wife, Helen; children, Effie and Spiro; his sister, Mary Mastoridis; sisters-in-law, Toula Rodousakis, and Ann C. Antonatos as well as several nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Constantine, and his niece, Katheryn Antonatos. George will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband and father. The needs of his family were always a top priority, and he was loved for being gentle and generous and for having a remarkably deep well of patience. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 19 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Interment to follow in San Lorenzo Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 2940 CR 214 St. Augustine, FL 32084.

George Antonatos

August 19, 1930 - July 14, 2024