George S. Vourvopoulos

May His Memory Be Everlasting

George Vourvopoulos, age 86, passed away on February 3rd, 2023. He was a beloved father and grandfather. His lifelong passion for science led him to a prestigious career in nuclear physics.

Academic Career

Dr. Vourvopoulos was a leader amongst his colleagues in Nuclear Physics. His distinguished career began at Florida A&M where he was promoted to chair in the Department of Physics. In 1974, he moved to Greece with his family to became director of the Tandem Accelerator Laboratory and the Physics Division of the Nuclear Research Center Demokritos in Athens, Greece. In 1983, he returned to the US and then accepted the head position in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Western Kentucky University (WKU), and in 1994 established the Applied Physics Institute (API) at WKU, which continues to flourish to this day. At the API, with his colleagues and students, he developed several major physics applications that benefit the nation and the world. These include devices for the on-line analysis of impurities in coal, for detecting drugs and explosives in containers such as suitcases, and for detecting unexploded ordinances such as buried land mines and artillery rounds. George holds five patents for his inventions. In 1998, he was named Kentucky Scientist of the Year and in 1999 received the Award for Research/Creativity and was recognized for Outstanding Faculty Achievement by WKU. For over three decades until 2013, George introduced and then was tireless in organizing and administrating the biennial International Conference on Applications of Nuclear Techniques held in Crete, Greece. These conferences continue to this day and are now known worldwide.

Personal Life

In 1963, he married Karen, and together they raised three wonderful children, Terry, Tina (Matina) and Jennifer. George was an enthusiastic, hands-on father who took an active and caring role in his children's lives and development, taking them to church on Sundays where he was a cantor, and on camping trips and other adventures. He was the kind of father who would go on a trip to Germany and make a special stop at McDonalds to bring back a Big Mac in his coat pocket so his kids could split it three ways because he knew they would like it. George also loved to tinker and fix things ("the Greek electrician"), when he wasn't traveling, sailing, playing tennis, working on his laptop, doing the Sunday crossword puzzle, entertaining friends, listening to music (Greek and classical were favorites) or eating good Greek food. He was well aware of the comedy of life. Although known for his scholarly knowledge he also enjoyed entertaining his family with memorable jokes (#23), funny performances (cowboy hat and guitar), and storytelling especially for his children and grandchildren at bed-time or long car rides (the monkey and the elephant). An academic, he also loved slapstick and westerns and movies like Christmas Vacation, which became a family tradition. He spoke with his eyebrows, and a quick smile that made his eyes twinkle. A man among men, he had a zest for life and surrounded himself with friends and family whose company he cherished. Like the energizer bunny he kept going and going. He gave his family, friends and students eye-opening experiences, such as traveling to new places, they would have never experienced otherwise. He was well read, with a good memory for details so wherever he traveled he could talk about the history of the place they were visiting. He was driven, tenacious and he encouraged and pushed those around him to excel and do their best despite the obstacles. He liked to stay busy and was always ready to lend a hand. He was adept at finding a solution for problems. He shared Greek wisdom and guidance, often humorously, as he gestured, circling the palm of his hand in the air. In fact, he used many Greek gestures to communicate without words. He was kind and caring, interested in the well-being of others and their progress and development. The family felt lucky to have him in their lives and enjoyed their precious time with him.

George's final hours and minutes were spent in the loving company of his children and grandchildren.

George is survived by his three children Terry (Karen), Tina (aka Matina) and Jennifer (Ron) and his grandchildren Michael (Elena), Nicholas (Brittany), and Alexander, and great grandchild Yianni. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister.

May His Memory be Everlasting

Service

A service will be held Saturday, February 11th at Newcomer, 895 S Goldenrod Rd, Orlando, FL 32822 with family visitation held at 10am and memorial service held at 11am.

In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead make a donation to Alzheimers Association Click to make a donation