Obituary of Michael Manetakis

Mihail K. “Michael” Manetakis, a Greek immigrant, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 27, 2023.  He was 75 years old.  Michael was born in the small village of Skopi on the Island of Crete in Greece.  He grew up and was educated in Crete.  He then enlisted in the Greek Navy serving for two years.  He then went into the merchant marines in Greece for six years.  He had the opportunity to travel and live in various parts of the world including Alexandria, Egypt, Australia and Japan.

Michael met his future wife, Panagiota, through relatives. She was an Athens girl. They married in 1972 and lived in Athens. He was a mechanic working on machinery.

In 1980 he made a huge leap and brought his family to the United States.

His children were 5 and 7 years old. They knew limited English and had limited family in the United States, but made the move seeking more opportunities.  They lived in Cambridge for 15 years.

Cambridge was a wonderful stepping stone for the family, because of the large Greek population in the area helping the assimilation into the American way of life and the language. Michael helped start a chapter of Skopi, Greece descendants and served as its President for many years.  It brought together immigrants from his hometown together for socials, support, and charity events geared at helping those who remained in Greece. 

In 1995 he purchased a home in Burlington.

Michael worked as a precision tool machinist and tool maker for over 35 years.  He worked for a number of companies including Boston Scientific Corporation and Omni-Sonics Electronics Corporation where he made medical instruments.

Michael’s life revolved around his family and his home.  He was the devoted husband to his beloved Panagiota, for 51 years.  They always had each other’s love and support. They had just recently returned from Greece on their last vacation together.  He was a loving and supportive father to his children. He provided opportunities including a comfortable home, a good education, and work opportunities. He especially enjoyed his role as “Papou” or Grandfather to his grandchildren. He would go to their sporting and school events, celebrations and birthdays, and any other activity that interested them.  In his idle time, he would spend hours and hours in his large garden.  He would harvest so much, sharing his vegetables with family, friends, and neighbors.  He also enjoyed making wine in his spare time. He made reds, whites, and rose wines and occasionally made some Tsipouro that his family called his “Greek Moonshine”.  He loved to travel throughout the United States and the world, enjoying European style vacations which would last for a month. 

Michael lived the American dream. He came with nothing and through hard work became successful. He will be missed but will always be lovingly remembered.

Michael was the beloved husband of Panagiota (Marinopoulou) Manetakis. He was the proud father of Maria Corona & her husband Ralph of Mendon and Emmanuel Manetakis of Amesbury.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Manolis, George, Nicholas, and John Manetakis.  He was the loving and adoring Papou to Raphael Corona, Sophia Manetakis, and Jason Manetakis.

Michael’s family had a private funeral service at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Woburn on Saturday September 2, 2023.  Memorials in his name may be made to St. Jude Children’s research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. 

Arrangements under the directions of the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. 

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net