Michael "Mickey" Macheras

Michael “Mickey” Macheras (aka Michalis I. Macheras and/or Mihail Mahairas), a respected builder, restaurateur, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on Cape Cod on January 8, 2025. His life was a testament to hard work, kindness, and an abiding love for his family, friends and community.

Born on the island of Kos, Greece, in 1947, Michael was the son of Ioannis Macheras and Kalliopi (Hartofili) Macheras. He was the brother of Evangelia (Macheras) Vasiliadou (deceased), Konstantinos (Kosta) Macheras (deceased) and Nicholas Mahairas.

A gifted student, he excelled in history and philosophy and was a successful pole vaulter, competing throughout the Greek islands. At the early age of eight, he began working in his father’s carpentry shop, honing the skills that would later define his career as a master carpenter. During his youth, he also worked in local restaurants to support his family back in Greece, cultivating a passion for cooking and hospitality. Michael is also a veteran of the Greek military where he served with distinction.

Michael pursued entrepreneurial success on Kos, owning and operating restaurants and a discotheque. In 1974, he married Heather, a British tourist visiting Kos. They were married in Scotland and returned to Greece where they began a family. In 1978, they immigrated to the United States, settling on Cape Cod. There, Michael established himself as a sought-after custom home builder, crafting and renovating many fine homes throughout The Cape that reflect his artistry and dedication. He also opened and operated two successful restaurants in Hyannis, each leaving its own legacy of community and warmth.

Known for his gentle demeanor, generosity, passion and quiet strength, Michael was loved and admired by all who knew him. He found his greatest joy in spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, sharing stories and lessons from his remarkable life.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Heather Macheras, his adoring children, Yannis Macheras, Sophia Macheras, Alexander Macheras, and Christian Macheras, and his cherished grandchildren, Victoria Macheras, Lily Macheras, India DeMasi, and Theodore “Teddy” Macheras.

He is also remembered fondly by his extended living family, including his nieces Eleni (Macheras) Mastin, Kalliopi (Macheras) Perveris and Kalliopi Vasiliadou, his nephew Vasilis Vasiliadou and his grandnephews George Mastin and Lucas Mastin.

Michael’s warmth, integrity, and craftsmanship leave an indelible mark on his family, friends, and community. His legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew him and, in the homes and memories he helped create. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, masterful skill, sense of humor and unwavering devotion to those he loved—a life richly lived, deeply cherished, and forever celebrated.

In his final years, as his health began to deteriorate, including becoming less and less mobile, his youngest son, Christian, lived with him and took care of his needs to the best of his abilities. His family would like to thank Christian for loving and taking care of his father as he did. He was a good son to a wonderful father.

A service will be held to honor his life on January 25, 2025 with Visitation beginning at 3:30 PM followed by a Service at 4:00PM, both at the funeral home of Doane Beal & Ames located at 160 West Main Street, Hyannis MA 02601 (www.doanebealameshyannis.com). A reception to celebrate Mickey’s life will be held at The West End immediately following the service. The West End is located on the rotary adjacent to the funeral home at 20 Scudder Avenue, Hyannis MA 02601.

During his time operating his restaurant on Main Street in Hyannis, Michael witnessed the mental health challenges of the homeless population in the area. It moved him. So, while flowers are appreciated and would be beautiful, alternatively the family kindly suggests considering a donation in Michael’s name to NAMI, an organization that champions mental health, by visiting https://www.nami.org/get-involved/donate-to-nami/ways-of-giving/