George Chryssis in Memoriam

Greek-American businessman, author, poet and philanthropist George C. Chryssis was found dead in his house in Southborough Massachusetts by his wife Margo this past May. The cause of his death had not been officially announced as the issue went to print. The 66-year-old Chryssis was married and had three grown up children. Since January 1, 2011, he was President of the Benjamin Franklin Technical Institute of Boston. During his career, he founded several high technology companies focused on innovation, including those specializing in fiber optics and software.

George Chryssis

Chryssis also worked for the advancement of education, the arts and sciences and was recognized for his leadership and achievements with many awards including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He was a member of the Leadership 100 and served as president of the Pan Cretan Association of America. George was a supporter and communicant of the Greek Orthodox Church serving as past president of St. Demetrios Parish and invested as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

He earned Bachelor & Master of Science degrees from Northeastern University, and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Engineering Technology Degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology. From February 2009 to December 2010, he served as Vice-President at Wentworth Institute of Technology. From June 1999 until their dissolution on December 31, 2005, he served as the managing member of Arcadian Capital Management, LLC and General Partner of Arcadian Venture Partners, LP, a venture capital firm with investments in early-stage companies. From August 2003 to January 2009, he served as President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Itergon Corp., a privately-held IT services company, which he founded. Since 2003, he has also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of DelCom Corp., a privately-held telecommunications software company.

George Chryssis is survived by wife Margo, children Rania & Manny Makkas, Lily Chryssis, Alex & Lindsay Chryssis, grandchildren Theo and Luke Makkas, brother Stelios Chryssis and sister Eleni Kekaki.