In Memory Of
Demetrios Michael Michelakis
1938
2023
Demetrios Michael Michelakis
February 17, 1938 — December 23, 2023
Demetrios Michael Michelakis was born February 17, 1938, in Kasanos, Crete, Greece, and passed away peacefully at home on December 23, 2023, at the age of 85.
He was the youngest of six children born to Michael and Harekleia (nee Haniotakis) Michelakis. To help support the university education of his older siblings, Demetrios worked in his parents' fields, vineyards, and hand-operated olive factory. He graduated from high school in the village of Kastelli and served as an officer in the Greek Royal Navy headquarters in Athens. Demetrios came to the United States in 1962, where he attended night school in Cleveland and Bowling Green State University to learn English. At BGSU Demetrios met and married Barbara, his devoted wife of 59 years. He later attended The Ohio State University before starting his own trucking company near Delaware, Ohio. Always an example of hard work, physical strength, and perseverance, Demetrios stopped driving dump trucks at age 82 and spent his time enjoying family, nature, and the tranquility of country living.
Demetrios is preceded in death by his beloved parents; siblings Joseph, Marigo, and George in Greece; and siblings Andrew and Helen in the United States.
He is survived by his wife Barbara; son Michael D. (Michelle) Michelakis of Niles, Michigan; son Joseph Michelakis of Blufton, Ohio; daughter Eleia Abeille of Dresden, Ohio; grandchildren Emily, Nikeleia, Elizabeth, and Juliana; as well as several nieces and nephews in both Europe and the United States. Demetrios was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio, 555 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215, where Fr. Demetrios Gardikes will officiate the Funeral Mass at 10:30am, Friday, December 29, 2023. Visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to the funeral service, with interment to follow at Union Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or Saint Basil Academy, 79 Saint Basil Road, Garrison, NY 10524.
He was the youngest of six children born to Michael and Harekleia (nee Haniotakis) Michelakis. To help support the university education of his older siblings, Demetrios worked in his parents' fields, vineyards, and hand-operated olive factory. He graduated from high school in the village of Kastelli and served as an officer in the Greek Royal Navy headquarters in Athens. Demetrios came to the United States in 1962, where he attended night school in Cleveland and Bowling Green State University to learn English. At BGSU Demetrios met and married Barbara, his devoted wife of 59 years. He later attended The Ohio State University before starting his own trucking company near Delaware, Ohio. Always an example of hard work, physical strength, and perseverance, Demetrios stopped driving dump trucks at age 82 and spent his time enjoying family, nature, and the tranquility of country living.
Demetrios is preceded in death by his beloved parents; siblings Joseph, Marigo, and George in Greece; and siblings Andrew and Helen in the United States.
He is survived by his wife Barbara; son Michael D. (Michelle) Michelakis of Niles, Michigan; son Joseph Michelakis of Blufton, Ohio; daughter Eleia Abeille of Dresden, Ohio; grandchildren Emily, Nikeleia, Elizabeth, and Juliana; as well as several nieces and nephews in both Europe and the United States. Demetrios was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio, 555 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215, where Fr. Demetrios Gardikes will officiate the Funeral Mass at 10:30am, Friday, December 29, 2023. Visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to the funeral service, with interment to follow at Union Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or Saint Basil Academy, 79 Saint Basil Road, Garrison, NY 10524.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Demetrios Michael Michelakis, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, December 29, 2023
9:30 - 10:30 am (Eastern time)
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Funeral Mass
Friday, December 29, 2023
Starts at 10:30 am (Eastern time)
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
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