Obituary of George Tanis

GEORGE N. TANIS, 78, born in Manhattan, NY to parents Vasilikie (Kanavou) and Nikolaos Tanis was a long time resident of Glen Rock and Hawthorne, NJ. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Theodosius Tanis. George attended Metropolitan High School aboard the floating nautical school SS John W. Brown, and continued on at the Germain School of Photography. He served in the U.S. Navy as a photographer aboard the USS Saratoga (CVA-60), earning the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class and was a plankowner of the aircraft carrier he served upon. George continued his photography career as a certified medical photographer and member of the Biological Photographers Association (RBP, FBPA and past president). Over his 40 year career, he worked for the Bronx VA Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital, St, Barnabus (NJ), Montefiore Medical Center, Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital. George worked with many well renowned physicians documenting innovative procedures and research; several of his photographs are on display in the Smithsonian Institute. Additionally, George was a member of the F&AM Hellenic Masonic Lodge in NYC, and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. A practicing professional magician and IBM member since 1977, he was also part of the Order of Merlin. George attended St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wyckoff for more than 30 faithful years. Upon turning 50, he started running marathons. He was a member of the New York City Road Runners Club, the New Jersey Masters and was a group training leader for the Jeff Galloway Group. George has completed more than 15 marathons including the 2500th Anniversary Running of the original Greek Marathon in Athens. Beloved father of two daughters, Anastasia Smith and Stephanie Murphy, both of Framingham, MA; sons-in-law Warner Smith and Chad Murphy, and three cherished grandchildren, Ronan and Arianna Smith and Mark Murphy. Family members include his former wife, Lisa Tanis and cousins, Kay and Jim Matthews and Katina Pappas. Visting hours at Vander Plaat Funeral Home are Thursday, June 12th, 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Church service is at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wyckoff at 10am. In leiu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church for the "Beginning to Pray" book program and Camp Good Shepard Scholarship Fund.