Mike Peter Giamalakis

During his time living in Greece with his brother Angelo and sister Lela, Mike overcame many obstacles including the German occupation of Crete where the invaders occupied his family home.

At the age of 15, Mike made the decision to immigrate over to the United States. On November 8th, 1951, Mike arrived in Salt Lake City, UT to live with his Uncle Angelo Giamalakis. From there Mike wanted to pursue an education so he attended West High School and Stevens Henegar College.

After finishing school Mike began working in the hardware industry for Strevell Patterson and later The Leviton Corporation where he continued work at until retirement. In the middle of all of this, he met the love of his life Pat P. Papanikolas where they eventually married on June 8th, 1958. They spent 67 years married together up until Pat passed away in 2025. Together they had one son Pete.

Mike cherished many things in his life but none more than his family and his church. Mike was a loyal member of the Greek Orthodox Church for over 70 years. He spent many years on the Parish Council, working the Gyro booth at the Greek Festival, and working in the Narthex of the church at the candle stand. Mike also had many good friends over the years but one friendship he held closest was with Luigi (Louie) Barbeiro. Louie and Mike also known as “The Chief” and “The Boss” to one another met when Louie became Mike’s Barber. They spent over 60 years together as best friends including 4-5 phone calls a day complaining about the stock market. Mike was as humble and giving as they come. He was a true friend to all and had the respect of everyone he came across.

Mike is survived by his son Pete (Darci) Giamalakis, his brother Angelo (Chrysoula) Giamalakis, his sister Lela Barbournakis, his 3 grandsons Michael, Peter and Andrew Giamalakis, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is proceeded in death by his wife Pat Giamalakis, his parents Pandelis (Pete) and Maria Giamalakis, his uncle Angelo Giamalakis and his brother-in-law Dimitri Barbournakis.

A public viewing will be held Sunday April 19th from 5-7 PM with a Trisagion at 6 PM at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on 279 S. 300 W. in Salt Lake City, UT. Private funeral services will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Mike's honor.