Friends, Family Salute Delis At Surprise Retirement Party

City Councilmember Helen Sears, George Delis, former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr. and George Stamatiades surround Delis' mother, Mary Dellagiannis.

George Delis, outgoing district manager of Community Board 1, walked into what he thought was a meeting at the Astoria World Manor last Wednesday night to find himself the guest of honor at a surprise party to celebrate his imminent retirement. Delis, the district manager of Board 1 since August 1977, was greeted by his mother, sisters and a host of friends and admirers, including area elected officials and heads of civic organizations. He was presented with many tokens of affection and appreciation and serenaded by a local rock group during the festivities.

Delis tips his hat to friends, family and colleagues as he walks into the surprise party given for him at the Astoria World Manor April 16. Delis is presented with a gift by George Stamatiades and Rochelle Slovin of the Museum of the Moving Image. Delis' sisters reminisce about his early years at his retirement surprise party. Photos Carol Marino