The Greek community in Melbourne has been shocked by the death of 19-year-old George Sarantis Kallianis who died in a motorcycle road accident.
The accident happened last Monday at Pascoe Road, Essendon where the popular young Greek-Australian died at the scene. Police are investigating the fatal crash.
The victim is being described by family and friends as a caring, loving, responsible young man who had healthy ambitions for life, aspiring to become an electrician, and had a great passion for motors.
His funeral will take place on Tuesday at the Presentation of our Lord (Της Υπαπαντής του Κυρίου) Greek Orthodox Church in Coburg.
Inconsolable, George’s mother, Tina Kalliani, told Neos Kosmos that “he loved life and had time for everyone. Whether it was a five-year-old child or a 100-year-old grandfather”.
“He was studying to be an electrician. He loved his engine [sic] and a certain car. He also loved his cats, whom he treated as his children. He gave everything for his friends and all these days when we are living the worst nightmare that parents can live, his relatives and dozens of friends, who come to the house to comfort us, give us strength,” his mother said.
On his behalf, George’s father Evangelos (Angelo) said to Neos Kosmos that “my son only had love for everyone”.
The family also has a daughter, Zoe.
Donations in the memory of George Kallianis
George, as stated by his mother, and it was commonly known, loved a certain type of car. His friends are collecting money to honour him through a “gofundme” webpage.
Over $20,000 has already been raised with a goal of reaching $30,000. Among other things, they mention in their post:
“Anyone who was graced with the presence of George instantly felt the warmth, kindness and love that he radiated. His infectious smile would light up a room the second he walked in. He was truly one of a kind. George was welcoming and accepting of everyone without a bad word to say about anything,” the post reads.
“This is truly a sentiment to the way his beautiful mother Tina and father Angelo raised this amazing young man, built on the foundation of great morals and strong work ethic and a positive go-happy attitude. George was the first person there for anyone that was in his life and no task was too big.”
All donations from the GoFundMe page (https://gofund.me/c60265cf) will be sent to a bank account of one of his parents. The page asks all who donate to leave a name, rather than remain anonymous.
