George James Kasotis Fund
The George James Kasotis Fund was created following his passing in 2025 at age 91. He was the son of Greek immigrant parents, James George Kasotis and Theodora Konstas and was extremely proud of his Greek heritage.
A 1952 graduate of Marion Harding High School, George was a star linebacker on the football team. His proudest moment came in 1951, when he jumped off the back of teammate Jack Bull to block a kick, enabling Harding to hang onto a 1-point lead and win the game.
Newly enrolled at The Ohio State University and on the football team, George was drafted into the US Army to fight in Korea. He earned a Purple Heart after being injured by a land mine. While recuperating in Tokyo, he had drinks with newlyweds Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio.
After the war, he became a cosmetology instructor in Lima (Ohio). Eventually, George returned to Marion to help with his mother’s business, The Crest Restaurant. After her retirement, he renamed it The Keg & Vine and served Greek salad, gyros, souvlaki, and baklava. With the addition of wine and music, it became known as Café George and was host to countless banquets, parties, and receptions.
After six years of courting, George married Joan Marie Amstutz in 1983. Both were performers and met through the Follies of the Junior Service Guild at the Marion Palace Theatre. The couple had two sons, Aris and Kris. The Kasotis’ created the Aris Kasotis Memorial Scholarship Fund in 2007 to honor their son.
George was active in his Greek Orthodox faith and loved tennis and local politics. Whenever he had a chance, he loved entertaining people. He loved to sing, dance, and share memorable stories and jokes.
