Honoring George Haseotes: Legacy of Cumberland Farms Leader

Remembering George Haseotes: A Pillar of the Community

On March 18, 2026, the convenience store and gas station empire of Cumberland Farms lost a remarkable leader, George Haseotes, at the age of 94. His passing marked the end of an era for a family business that has significantly impacted New England and beyond. George died peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospital in Palm Beach, Florida, surrounded by family and friends after a brief illness.

George's journey began in Cumberland, Rhode Island, where he was born into a family of Greek immigrants, Vasilios Spiros Haseotes and Aphrodite Bassis Haseotes. Growing up among seven siblings, George and his brothers and sisters would go on to play pivotal roles in the family's business, which started from humble beginnings with just $84 and a single cow used for dairy farming.

The family’s ingenuity and hard work led to the establishment of their first dairy store in Bellingham, Massachusetts, in the 1950s, which became a cornerstone of the convenience store concept in the region. Initially focusing on milk sales, the Cumberland Farms store quickly expanded its offerings, paving the way for what would become a revolutionary model in retail convenience. The brand's commitment to providing a diverse product range has kept it evolving, and by the mid-1980s, they ventured into the gas station market, acquiring Gulf and Chevron service stations across ten northeastern states. The expansion continued when they absorbed over 200 Exxon stations in 2003.

George Haseotes, with his vision and leadership, played an integral role in growing the family business to encompass over 600 Cumberland Farms locations throughout New England, New York, the Mid-Atlantic states, and Florida. His dedication to quality and service has cemented Cumberland Farms as a trusted name in the industry, a legacy that is cherished by communities. Recognizing the brand's potential, the Haseotes family navigated the complex waters of retail to ensure its success, leading to its acquisition by EG Group in 2019.

In his personal life, George is survived by his beloved wife, Kristen Williams Haseotes, along with three children, George Williams Haseotes, Holly Haseotes Bonomo, and Michael Haseotes, and several grandchildren and stepchildren. The family's close-knit nature reflects the values that George championed: hard work, family unity, and a commitment to community service. He is also remembered fondly by his extended family, including his siblings and many nieces and nephews.

To honor George, the Haseotes family is currently organizing funeral arrangements in Rhode Island, where friends and family can pay their respects to a man who profoundly impacted those around him. As the community comes together to celebrate his life, George Haseotes will be remembered not just for his role in building a successful business but for the values he instilled in his family and the broader community. Through the legacy of Cumberland Farms, his spirit will undoubtedly live on, serving as a beacon of entrepreneurial success and familial love for generations to come.

George Haseotes' contributions go beyond mere business; they represent a pathway paved with determination and resilience. In a world that continually changes, the essence of his legacy as a family man and entrepreneur remains steadfast, embodying lessons for everyone in the industry and community alike.