Legend. Veteran. Entertainer. Entrepreneur. After 91 years serving our community and our country, George James Kasotis died on May 29, 2025.
“George will forever be remembered as a pillar of our community. He will be greatly missed,” Julie Blashinsky Blackledge said.
“George always championed Marion and was such a gracious host. He will be dearly missed by all who made the pleasure of his acquaintance,” said Steve Badertscher, director of the Marion Senior Center.
“His heart for the community was strong. What a privilege we had to know such a great man,” Amanda Stygler said.
“I was so terribly saddened today to learn of the death of one of my dear friends, and all-time favorite people, George Kasotis, at age 91,” WGH program director Scott Spears said. “George has been a guest on my shows since I started doing shows. You could not have an interview or an exchange with George without smiling or laughing.”
“Seeing George’s smile was always the highlight to his heart and soul,” Joyce Johnston recalled.
George Kasotis Born in 1933 in Caledonia
The Korean War veteran was born in Caledonia on Aug. 2, 1933 to Greek immigrants. Kasotis graduated from Marion Harding High School, where he played football. He also took dance lessons from Miss America Marilyn Meseke and Marion’s “First Lady of Dance” Martha Douce, a studio owner and instructor.
His time at The Ohio State University was interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953.
Korean War Service
While serving, Kasotis earned a Purple Heart. Kasotis and another officer had been constructing a bridge when a monsoon hit and knocked them into the Imjin River. Kasotis hit a land mine with his leg. A medical helicopter rescued Kasotis.
“They saved my life,” Kasotis said in 2023.
While recovering in Tokyo, he met Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio on their honeymoon.
Restaurant Anchors Downtown Marion
Kasotis eventually returned to Marion to help his widowed mother, Dory Kasotis, with her restaurant in Marion at 131 S. Main St. He eventually took over the restaurant and renamed it The Keg and Vine and eventual Café George, where he used Greek food and music.
“He taught me how to make one of my favorite foods, the baklava sundae,” Spears added. “George loved to entertain and would burst into song at a moment’s notice.”
“George was always the perfect host and gentleman. I loved our parties at the Keg, especially with his mom,” Karin Corrigan Ballinger recalled. “George was simply the guy who made things better.”
“George was always such a treat to visit for lunch when I worked in Marion, and after I left, I still tried to visit his restaurant every time I visited Marion,” said Shirley Jaynes.
Kasotis Family Expands
Kasotis met Joan Amstutz, a local teacher, in the 1970s when they were performing together at the Marion Palace Theatre. After a six-year courtship, the two married in September 1983 in three ceremonies including a Greek Orthodox service to honor George’s life-long faith.
“I’ve been married three times to the same woman!” Kasotis said in 2023.
The two had two sons: Kris and Aris. The family set up a memorial fund to remember Aris after he died in a car accident in 2007.
Community Volunteering
Kasotis was also the founder of the Buckeye Open Tennis Tournament in 1970. He was an active member of the Marion Democratic Party.
The storyteller volunteered at many events and shared his skill and Marion’s history.
“I will always remember his enthusiasm as a step-on guide when I was the CVB [Convention and Visitors Bureau] director…. He was a true storyteller about everything Marion and subjects of interest to visitors to the community!” Diane Watson said.
An active senior citizen, Kasotis continued to dance, entertain and volunteer even at age 90.
Charitable Memorial Fund
“George was, truthfully stated, a classic. The world is a little less fun now that George has left us, but his memory and love of people will live on forever,” Spears said.
“I feel blessed to have called him my friend,” said Christy Neff.
The family set up a charitable fund to continue George’s legacy.
“We are honored to accept memorial donations for the George James Kasotis Fund,” said Lori Stevenson with the Marion Community Foundation.
For more info:
Local Restauranteur Looks Back | MarionMade
George James Kasotis Obituary (1933-2025) | Marion, OH
George James Kasotis Fund – Marion Community Foundation
Veterans and Families Honor Service with Military Banners | MarionMade
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