Emmanuel "Mike" George Manousakis

Our beloved Husband, Father, and Papou Emmanuel G. “Mike” Manousakis of Salt Lake City passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 28th, 2025. Born on June 5, in 1936, in Malaxa, Crete, Greece, he was the second of nine children born to George Emanuel Manousakis and Helen Kournianos Manousakis.

Mike immigrated to the United States in 1947 and lived a full and vibrant life. A proud United States Marine, he served honorably before receiving his honorable discharge to return home and help support his family after the death of his father. His sense of duty and responsibility never wavered, and he carried the values of discipline, loyalty, and service with him throughout his life.

He married Rae Jean Manousakis in 1961 and together they had a son, Michael, later divorcing. In 1983 he married Majorie “Margie” Rae Manousakis on July 7, 1987, they were married 36 years and until her passing in October of 2024.

Mike was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Margie, his parents, George E. and Helen Manousakis, brother Michael “Mitch” Manousakis, and sister Athena Proestakis. His in-laws Nick Proestakis, Joseph Zervos, and Deno Kambouris. He is survived by his son, Michael (Kimberli) Manousakis, grandsons Christian (Shelby) and Adam (Annette), and siblings, Mary Kambouris, Presbytera Zoy (Fr. George) Politis, Katherine Zervos, Sophia Manousakis (Steve Bassett), Fr. Nick (Presbytera Kostoula) Manousakis and Dessie Manousakis. His family and extended relatives will always remember his determination, humor, and generous spirit.

Together with his beloved Margie, Mike built a successful life as a business owner. He poured his energy and charisma into managing several well-loved businesses in the Salt Lake Valley, including Mike’s Trophy Room Lounge, A Touch of Athens restaurant with his brother (Michael “Mitch” Manousakis), and PJ’s Night Club. These places were more than businesses — they became gathering spots where friendships were formed, laughter was shared, and community was built.

Mike was deeply proud of his Greek heritage. He was an active member of the Salt Lake City Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake. His faith and fellowship were central to his life, and he found joy and companionship through church gatherings and celebrations.

Family was always at the center of Mike’s heart. He loved nothing more than spending time with his relatives, grandchildren, and countless friends. He had a gift for making people laugh with his teasing jokes and quick wit, and his sense of humor will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Mike’s home and his presence were always filled with drinks, food, Jazz Games, Utah Utes Football games, laughter, and love — he was happiest when surrounded by the people he cared for most.

It is such a shock that he’s gone. On the day of his passing, he attended a church picnic with his grandsons and granddaughter-in-laws, doing what he loved the most, being with family, friends and enjoying the Greek community and culture with good food and drink. His last day was possibly one of his favorite days. He will be deeply missed but we are comforted knowing he is with the Lord, and those who passed before him. Perhaps he is somewhere in Heaven, free of pain, with his cherished wife Margie planting an eternal garden together.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to his caregivers, Juan, Heidi, and Emily, from Harmony Home Health Care, whose kindness, dedication, and friendship brought comfort to Mike in his final years.

A Trisagion will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral the same day at 11:00 a.m. The Trisagion and funeral services will both be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Mike asked that donations be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake, at 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mike’s life was defined by love, laughter, faith, and family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, the stories that will be told about him, and the joy he brought to all who were blessed to know him.

May his memory be eternal!