Georgios Eliopoulos “Jorgo Iliopullo”, 91, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on January 31st, one day after celebrating his 91st birthday. Born in Dhuvjan, Albania, Jorgo lived a remarkable life spanning three countries and countless hearts across the world.
He leaves behind his beloved wife and partner of over six decades, Vjoleta Iliopullo; his daughters, Mirela Iliopullo and Matilda (Iliopullo) Gushi; and his three treasured grandchildren, Mejvis Kore, Kristina Gushi, and Jorgo Gushi, who was by his side in his final years; and two great-grandchildren, Dior and Leo. He loved them all beyond measure.
He was predeceased by his sister Sofia Faniko Eliopoulos in November 2023.
Jorgo's life was a testament to grace under pressure, unwavering dignity, and profound sacrifice. For decades under Communist Albania, he distinguished himself as a teacher of Albanian Language and Literature - a calling he approached with remarkable sharpness, warmth, and elegance. He taught throughout the villages of the Greek minority in Albania, centered in Gjirokaster, where his kindness, humor, and intellectual brilliance left an indelible mark on generations of students. These bonds transcended borders and time; former students from across the globe maintained contact with their beloved professor until his final days, a tribute to the depth of his influence and the authenticity of his care.
When Albania's borders opened in 1991, Jorgo and Vjoleta embarked on a new chapter in Corfu, Greece. With characteristic determination and resilience, they rebuilt their lives from the ground up, creating not just a home but an entire community. Jorgo's leadership extended beyond the classroom as he served as Secretary of the Union of North Epirots in Corfu, becoming deeply involved in political and civic life. His diplomacy, integrity, and genuine respect for others earned him close relationships with prominent figures in the island's leadership. The culmination of his community-building efforts was the opening of a school to teach Albanian—yet another institution created through his vision and dedication.
In 2010, Jorgo and Vjoleta made their most profound sacrifice yet: moving to Worcester, Massachusetts, to provide their daughters and grandchildren the opportunity for American citizenship and education. What followed was a testament to the power of generational love. One by one, his grandchildren came to live with Jorgo and Vjoleta, each pursuing their education while enveloped in their grandparents' unwavering support. Mejvis came first, earning her English proficiency before attending college in New York. Then Kristina, who studied, worked, and graduated from college in Worcester, all while living under their roof. Finally came Jorgo, the youngest, who had spent countless childhood summers with his grandparents in Corfu from age three to ten, then continued those summers in Worcester before moving permanently in 2018. He completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies while becoming his grandparents' devoted caretaker for the last 7 years: a role that brought the profound circle of care full closure.
In Worcester, Jorgo embraced his new home with the same warmth and curiosity that defined his entire life. Though he never spoke English, he became a devoted Boston Celtics fan, watching every game and knowing each player by heart. His weekends were sacred: Saturday and Sunday mornings filled with coffee and raki shared with his countless friends, conversations flowing in Albanian and Greek, laughter echoing around the table. He built community wherever he went, language no barrier to connection.
Through Albania, Greece, and America, Jorgo built homes: not just structures, but sanctuaries of love, learning, and belonging. Every decision, every move, every sacrifice was made in service of his family's future. He was extraordinary in the truest sense: calm in chaos, sweet in spirit, honest to his core, quick with humor that could light up any room, intellectually sharp until his final days, and universally respected by all who had the honor and privilege of knowing him.
Jorgo's elegance wasn't found in material possessions but in how he moved through the world: with dignity, kindness, and an unshakeable moral compass. His smile was legendary, his wisdom profound, his presence a gift. He leaves behind not just a family, but a legacy of sacrifice, education, community-building, and unconditional love that will echo through the generations he so carefully nurtured.
Calling Hours are Friday, February 6th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester.
Following the services, Jorgo will return to his beloved Albania for burial, completing the circle of a life lived across continents but forever rooted in the land of his birth.