George Brokalakis

In Loving Memory of George Brokalakis (1949 – Saturday, June 21, 2025)

We mourn the passing of a remarkable man, George Brokalakis, born in 1949 in Chania, Crete, to Irene and Dimitri Brokalakis. George was the beloved husband of Stella (Zervos); devoted father of Dimitri Brokalakis and the late Yianni Brokalakis (2023); he cherished his brother John Brokalakis (Iro) and his two nieces. 

From Athens Greece, George immigrated to the United States in 1967, studied at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, and soon founded the pioneering “Minotauros” Cretan Youth Group—igniting a lifelong mission to  keep Cretan culture alive among Greek-American youth.

A passionate lover of soccer, George started the Utah Golden Spikers professional club, later coached youth teams in Denver, and never stopped cheering from the sidelines.

Moving to Denver in 1983, he became the founder and owner of the legendary Denver Crown Burger for 37 years, even hosting a full Cretan Festival on its grounds—famous for mountains of pastrami and unbeatable green chili.

Within the Church he served faithfully on the Parish Board, and within the wider community he was a longtime President of the Cretans of Denver (CretEfs) and a tireless supporter of Greek School, the Greek Festival, and the Idomeneas Cretan Youth of Denver.

Many of us had our very first jobs under George’s wing. He didn’t just offer work—he offered mentorship, generosity, and lifelong lessons. His kindness, open hand, and passionate Cretan spirit shaped countless lives.

George’s absence leaves a profound void in Denver, in the United States, and across Crete itself. Yet his legacy—of faith, philanthropy, culture, and community—will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Αἰωνία σου ἡ μνήμη. May his memory be eternal.

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Donations in memory of George can be made to The Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral