Michael G. "Mitch" Manousakis

Our loving Husband, Father and Papou Michael G. “Mitch” Manousakis of Salt Lake City passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 8, 2017. Born on June 25, 1939 in Malaxa, Crete, Greece, he was the fourth of nine children born to George Emanuel Manousakis and Helen Kournianos Manousakis.

Mitch immigrated to the United States in 1947. He returned to Greece in 1961 and married his beloved wife Kostoula and they returned to make their home in Utah. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served honorably while stationed in France and Germany from 1961-63. He continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1963-67.

As an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake, Mitch served in many capacities over his lifetime. He had a deep love for his church, family, and heritage. He always emphasized the importance of church and family. His grandchildren were the light of his life. He was always happiest when with his grandchildren, teaching them about their family, heritage, country, and gardening. They were blessed to have had quality time with their Papou.

Mitch is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kostoula Iatrakis Manousakis, daughter Elaine, son George (Katherine), grandchildren Maria and Mihali, Siblings, Katherine Zervos, Emanuel (Margie) Manousakis, Athena (Nick) Proestakis, Mary (Deno) Kambouris, Presbytera Zoy (Fr. George) Politis, Sophia Manousakis (Steve Bassett), Fr. Nick (Presbytera Kostoula) Manousakis and Dessie Manousakis. Inlaws Anna (Evangelos) Fintrilaki, Marika Kontogiorgo, Athanasios Kotsonis, Katina (George) Gergerakis. Aunt, Zoe Manousakis; Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends both in the United States and Greece. He was preceded in death by his parents, George E. and Helen Manousakis, Christos and Georgia Iatrakis, Brothers in law, Mattheos Stavroulakis, Joseph Zervos, Panagiotis Kontogioros, Sisters in law Theano Stavroulaki, Rae Jean Manousakis and Eleni Kotsoni.

It’s hard to believe he’s gone. He was Super Man…there was nothing he couldn’t do, nothing he couldn’t make right. He was one of a dying breed; a true gentleman, patriarch, papou and friend to all. He was the epitome of philotimo and philoxenia. He touched everyone who knew him through his generosity, humor and kindness. He was selfless and compassionate, the rock of our family. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort knowing he is with the Lord, his parents, friends and family who went before him…probably sitting in a garden up in heaven having a shot of tsikoudia, talking about the good old days and having a good laugh.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 18 at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Interment, Mount Olivet Cemetery. Friends may call at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on Monday, April 17 from 6-8 pm, Trisagion (prayer service) at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers Mitch asked that donations be made to Rescue Mission of Salt Lake 463 South 400 West Salt Lake City, Ut 84101-2202 801-355-1302, or any other organization that is dedicated to feeding the hungry and homeless. He touched many lives through his generosity, humor and kindness. He always had time to help anyone who needed it and his heart was as big as the heavens above.

May his memory be eternal.