Many of Michail's friends recently traveled to Athens for his funeral, which was held last Thursday. Michail's wife has moved back to Greece.
Maria Spyropoulou, a fourth-year physics graduate student who worked with Michail at the Fermi Lab, described him as a gentle individual.
"George was always happy, always smiling," she said. "He had a great sense of humor."
He was also very generous with his time, offering help to younger students, Spyropoulou said.
In keeping with Greek Orthodox tradition, a memorial service will be scheduled for roughly 40 days after Michail's death. The date had not yet been set. But Sarakinos, one of the organizers of the service, said he expects it to take place around November 10 at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Central Square.
In addition, Professor Franklin and others have raised money to plant a tree in Michail's memory. The tree will be planted in front of the Lyman physics building in the spring.