Elias John Michalakis, later known as Leo Michaels, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2024, at the age of 89. Leo was born (as Elias) on the beautiful island of Chios, Greece, on November 2, 1935, to his parents, the late Reverend John Michalakis and Eugenia (nee Mihalos). He was a devout Greek Orthodox Christian, who dedicated much of his life to the Church as a psalti (chanter) and choir director.
Leo is descended from an unbroken line of Greek Orthodox priests, in Chios, that date back to (at least) the 1700s. Having grown up, literally, inside the Church, his knowledge of the Holy Services was extensive, and priests often consulted him for guidance; and which knowledge was a cherished asset that he brought to his many decades of service to the Church as a choir director and chanter.
From a very young age, Leo had a passion for chanting in the Greek Orthodox Church. Even as a child, he served as a psalti, lending his voice to the Church’s sacred hymns and Holy Traditions alongside his father, a priest, who, together, glorified God at many Divine Services in various locales throughout Chios.
Beyond his spiritual contributions, Leo pursued a career as a chemist, a profession in which he excelled after graduating from Wagner College (B.S.) and Stevens Institute of Technology (Masters). Leo was also a very enthusiastic youth baseball coach for both of his sons’ teams; and regaled many with his wonderful voice singing with the Rockland County Choral Society, including glorious performances of Handel’s Messiah every Christmas season at the beautiful West Point Cadet Chapel.
Leo’s happy place was the vacation home that he and his wife, Evangeline (“Beca”), built in their beloved Catskill Mountains, where they first met in 1956 at a Greek hotel (Kalithea) in Hensonville, NY, during the summer when Leo was working as a waiter while on break from Wagner College. He and Beca chose to build a summer home in nearby Fleischmanns, NY, where they spent every summer and off-season weekend (weather permitting). It is also where, nearby, Leo would chant at the Divine Liturgy with his son (Bishop Christodoulos) presiding at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Ascension in Bearsville, NY; where Leo chose to be buried, and which sits nestled in the beloved mountains of his adopted country; a country that he loved dearly.
Leo was a loving and devoted husband to Beca (a/k/a “Vangie”) Michaels (nee Yuelys) for 66 years, who survives him. Together they raised three children in Sparkill, NY: Bishop Christodoulos, Eleni, and Dennis. Leo also leaves behind a son-in-law Kent (Eleni’s husband), and a daughter-in-law Susan (Dennis’s wife); and a legacy of love in his five cherished grandchildren: Eliana (Michael), Elexa (Ryan), Lukas (Alison), Justinian, and Zoe (Christian). Leo’s spirit will continue to live on through them, and also through his brand new great-granddaughter, Amelia Evangeline, and an imminently soon-to-be-born great-grandson!
Leo will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his strong Orthodox Christian faith, and his contributions to the Church and its ministries. He touched the lives of many, and will be deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing him.
May Leo’s soul rest with Jesus Christ and His Saints, and may his beautiful voice join with the Angels singing to the eternal glory of God; and may his memory be eternal!
Visitation will be Friday, December 20, 2024, from 10:30 – 11:30 AM, at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1 Marycrest Rd, West Nyack, NY 10994, with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:30 AM. Interment will take place at Holy Ascension Greek Orthodox Church Cemetery, 521 Cold Brook Rd, Bearsville, NY 12409.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
May he rest in eternal peace. Me deepest condolences
To his family.