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Photo by Diana Hoppe
One of the most talented billiard players, George SanSouci passed away at 11pm last night at his house in New York. As the shocking news broke out, many friends such as Mika Immonen, Michael Yednak, Ron Mason, Thorsten Hohmann, Neslihan Gurel, Wes Bond and Amsterdam staff members soon gathered around George's favorite pool table to remember their best partner in pool. Mr. Greg Hunt has dedicated Table 9 at Amsterdam Billiards to be kept vacant for the 2 full days as a tribute to the Ginkster. Anyone wishing to come in and share stories about Ginky are encouraged to do so.
Photo by John MacArthur
For friends who'd like to make a contribution or help in any ways, please contact Mr. Tony Robles or Athena Mennis at 347 345 6308. If you are writing a check, please make it out to Irene McDonagh (Ginky's sister) and drop it off at the Amsterdam Billiard Club on 11th St. bet. 3rd & 4th Avenue in New York City.
Ginkys Wake will be held on Thursday March 17 from 3-10pm at First Avenue Funeral Service, 2242 1st Ave between 115th & 116th St. Ginky's Funeral Service will be on Friday, March 18 at 9am at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 448 East 116th St near 1st Ave.
Ginkster in action, photo by NYCGrind.com
George grew up in New York City. At eighteen years old, George stumbled upon Chelsea Billiards one night and got caught up watching a big, crowded match into wee hours of the morning. He has been hooked on pool ever since. Within two years, at age twenty, George won the Massachusetts State Championships; beating a lot of top professionals at the time. In 1995, Billiards Digest named SanSouci as Rookie Player of the Year. He went onto to win countless tournaments around the country, and at age twenty-two he turned professional and placed second place in his very first Professional Event in Reno, Nevada in June of 1996. In 2002, George retired due to a serious neck injury. In recent years he has competed and got into the final rounds regularly in the Predator Nine-ball Tour hosted by Tony Robles in New York. As a talented player and a friendly person, Ginky has been a major inspiration to many New York pool fans for the late two decades.
Please visit George SanSouci Facebook Page
From Friends
"Today is a very sad day. I lost a friend, a brother and my son Jonathan Robles lost a Godfather. Thanks for all that you've done for us and the pool community over the years Ginky.
Rest In Peace buddy."
-Tony Robles
"RIP Buddy. George "Ginky" San Souci has passed away. The world of pool and the New York City Pool community mourns him. God rest his soul. Too young. Too soon."
-Mika Immonen
"I was shocked to hear this. Ginky was one of the greatest talents I ever saw with my own eyes, and was inspiring to watch when he was playing his best. We will all miss him."
-Charlie Williams
"I know he had his ups and downs, but Ginky was arguably the best pool player in the world in the late 1990's. He was smart, funny, witty, and a loyal friend. We'll all miss him.
Here's to the Ginkster!"
-Greg Hunt
Career Highlights
Massachusetts State Champion 1991
Rhode Island State Champion 1994-1995
Billiards Digest Rookie Of the Year 1996
Maine State Champion 1996
Juliet's Champion Poughkeepsie, NY April 1996
Pocket's Champion Brooklyn, NY May 1996
Clifton Billiards Champion Clifton, NJ June 1996
Castle Billiards Champion E. Rutherford, NJ September 1996
Executive Billiards Champion White Plains, NY October 1996
Crown Billiards Champion Pompton Lakes, NJ November 1996
Delaware State Champion 1997
Charlotte 10-Ball Open Champion Charlotte, NC July 1998
Tri-State Regional Champion Leisure Time Billiards Levittown, NY May 1999
BCA National Straight Pool Champion 1999
BCA Invitational 9-ball Championships Champion Las Vegas, NV May 1999
High Run in 14.1 Continuous (343 balls) Slate Billiards in New York, NY July 2009
George SanSouci was Sponsored and Endorsed By Lucasi Cues.
Video by insidepoolmag
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