Cosmas Angelos Mallas

Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather (Papou) peacefully passed away at his home at the age of 88 on December 8, 2025. Cosmas was born the first of two children to Evangelos Malaxianakis (Mallas) and Sophia Cordakis on January 27, 1937 in Vlatos, Kissamos, Crete, Greece.

His father, having lived in Salt Lake City between 1912 and 1935, longed to return to the United States with his family. That plan was postponed when World War II broke out, forcing them to remain in Greece. Once the war ended, Cosmas and his father departed Crete and set out for America. After a long journey, they reached Salt Lake City on Cosmas’ 10th birthday. His mother and sister joined them approximately eleven months later.

As a teenager, Cosmas shined shoes and worked at Ajax Presses after school. He then joined the U.S. Army Reserves and honorably served his country for seven years. He returned to Crete in 1964 where he met and married the love of his life Christie Theodorakis. The name Theodorakis translates to “God’s gift”, and Cosmas considered Christie God’s gift to him. They were married for 61 years.

Cosmas worked at the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s office for over 31 years. He retired in 1990. He had a passion for sports and looked forward to watching his favorite teams. He also enjoyed gardening, playing the slot machines, bowling, traveling, and Christie’s home cooking. Cosmas stayed active and healthy most of his life by exercising daily and working in his yard and garden. Hard work never fazed him, and he always kept busy throughout his life. He taught his children a strong work ethic, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and dedication.

Even though Cosmas spent most of his life in Utah, he was very proud of his Greek heritage and loved watching anything Greek, including Greek actors and Greek athletes. He had not returned to Greece since he left in 1964 and was very happy when he visited his homeland with Christie for their 60th wedding anniversary in 2024.

He was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church of Salt Lake City and attended church service every Sunday. He held his faith close to his heart, which guided him throughout his life. He instilled the importance of faith and God to his children. He will be remembered for his words of wisdom, hard work, generosity, and his deep love for his wife and family.

Cosmas is survived by his loving wife Christie, children, Liz (Matt) Nikols, Sophie Petrogeorge, Evan (Kim) Mallas, and Helen (Tipton) Mallas, and four grandchildren, Mitchell Mallas, Matthew Mallas, Michael Petrogeorge, and Christie Petrogeorge. He was preceded in death by his parents Evangelos and Sophia Mallas, sister Georgia Katsanevas, son-in-law Sam Petrogeorge, and grandson Anthony Mallas.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on December 13, 2025, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery located at 1342 East 500 South. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

From his family, we want to thank you for all you’ve done for us, and we especially appreciate all the sacrifices you made for us throughout your life. We love you and will miss you very much. May your memory be eternal.