Mike Nick Varanakis
Mike Nick Varanakis1924 ~ 2012
Mike Nick Varanakis, our beloved husband, father, grandfather "Papou" and uncle passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 23, 2012, at the age of 87.
Mike was born on October 31, 1924 to Nick and Georgia (Sarras) Varanakis in Kenilworth, Utah.
Mike graduated from Carbon High School in 1942. He excelled in track, football and boxing. Mike served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946. He was then transferred to the U.S. Air Force and received an honorable discharge from both the Army and the Air Force.
In the fall of 1950, Mike returned to Utah met and married the love of his life, Sylvia Maragakis. The ceremony was held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Salt Lake City. They enjoyed a long and happy life together. He was never far from his "Dolly". Mike and Sylvia recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on September 17, 2012.
Mike was a devout member of the Greek Orthodox Church and served as Vice President of the Parish Council for 4 years. He was also a member of the Pancretan Association of America for over 60 years and was very proud of his Cretan heritage. Mike was thoughtful, loyal, sincere and truly loved his family. He enjoyed spending time on his backyard patio admiring and tending to his garden. We enjoyed many family gatherings listening to all the old stories he loved sharing. Mike was an avid sports fan. He never missed watching a Utah Jazz or University of Utah game. Papou also enjoyed eating out with his family or finishing up a word search puzzle while snacking on his favorite Hershey's candy bars.
Mike enjoyed working with people. He worked for Sears Roebuck for 27 years, Wolfe's Sporting Goods for 12 years and continued to work at Weight Watchers of Utah until he turned 84.
Mike is survived by his wife Sylvia (Maragakis), three sons; Nick (Ellen), John (Bunnie), Jeff, and his three cherished grandchildren; Mike "Tiger", Nicole "Princess #1", and Alexandra "Princess #2", and his little puppy, Elvis. He had many nieces and nephews who knew him best as Uncle Mike.
Mike was preceded in passing by his parents, Nick and Georgia Varanakis, and sisters; Virginia Poulos and Julie Hatsis.
On Thursday, September 27th, visitors may pay their respects from 6pm to 8pm with a Trisagion Service at 7pm at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 5335 South Highland Drive. The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 28th, at 11am at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church. Interment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Jodi, Annie, Rebecca, Rosemary and Kathy for all their tender loving care and support for Mike and his family during his illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Greek Orthodox Church Benevolence Fund.
We Love You Dad and Papou!
May his Memory be Eternal.
Published in Salt Lake Tribune from September 26 to September 27, 2012
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