George Pete Argentos, husband, dad, Pappou (grandpa), and brother, passed away due to heart failure on February 14, 2021.
He was born on May 13, 1933 in Salt Lake City to Peter and Mable Argentos. The son of a Greek immigrant, George spoke fluent Greek and didn't even learn English until Kindergarten. We always loved hearing the stories of his youth in a strong Greek family.
George graduated from South High School in 1951. His favorite memory of high school was winning the State Championship in baseball in 1950. He served in the US Army from 1953-1955 as a squad leader and was a heavy weapons specialist. He also received the National Defense Service Medal. After George was honorably discharged from the Army, he joined the Mountain Bell telephone company (later US West), which became his lifelong career. He started as a cable splicer and worked his way up, finishing his 35-year career as a supervising engineer. While working at the phone company, George attended Westminster College, earning his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Economics in 1961.
George met Janet Farley in 1958. They married in June of 1960 and spent the next 60 years together. He was a devoted father, spending countless hours coaching little league baseball and watching dance recitals. He loved that each one of his children developed a special interest in his hobbies; Brad with hunting and fishing, Lori with football, and Michelle with golf. George was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed talking with his breakfast buddies about the Utes and the Jazz. He became an avid golfer in his 30's, enjoying all the Utah courses, and travelling with his golfing buddies across the US after retirement. He delighted in his grandchildren, spoiling them with donuts and love every time they visited. George had a soft spot for animals, especially enjoying the companionship of his pup Scooter during his last years. We will all miss George's great sense of humor, his pride and love of family, his vast knowledge of sports trivia and his timely cliches!
George is survived by his wife, Janet Argentos; his son, Brad Argentos; his daughters, Lori (Kevin) Cubbage and Michelle (Dale) Jorgensen; his grandchildren, Lindsey and Ryan Cubbage, Emma and Adam Jorgensen; and his brother, Chris Argentos.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Mable Argentos.
Due to Covid, we will not be able to have a funeral service. We plan on having a small family service to honor him at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you raise a glass in honor of George. If you want to do it Greek style, toast with ouzo!
I’m truly saddened hearing of George’s passing. We worked together, played golf together and retired together. Condolences to Jan and the family. George was one of the good guys. I loved him and will miss him.
