Michael Emmanuel Matsakis, 90, of Shadyside, Ohio passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.
He was born on December 6, 1932 in Wheeling, West Virginia, to the late Vangela and Emmanuel Matsakis.
As a veteran of the Korean War, Michael selflessly served his country with honor and bravery. His love for his ancestral homeland was evident, as his family originated from Karpathos, Greece. He was Greek Orthodox by faith and was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Life-Giving Fountain, where he had served as President and a proud member of the AHEPA.
Michael achieved academic excellence, earning a Master’s Degree from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor’s Degree from West Liberty State College. His commitment to lifelong learning was evident in his dedication to his students and athletes.
Throughout his career, Michael served as the head football coach at Powhatan and assistant head coach at Shadyside and River High Schools. He also took on the role of Athletic Director at Shadyside High School, leaving an indelible mark on the sports programs. Michael’s passion for education extended beyond the field, as he taught Biology, served as a Guidance Counselor, and taught Driver’s Education. He was also a proud member of the West Liberty Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding achievements.
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his sister, Sophie Makris.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Matsakis; his four sons, Emmanuel “Manny” (Elizabeth) Matsakis, James (Erin) Matsakis, George (Heidi) Matsakis, Elias (Cori) Matsakis; former daughter-in-laws, Darla Matsakis and Meg Hanshaw; thirteen grandchildren, Meredith, Michael Emmanuel, Elias Emmanuel, Maria, Michael James, Stella, Emmanuel James, Lexie, Michael Elias, Nicholas Elias, Maia, Jack Morgese, Luke Morgese; and a niece, Angela Makris Eliades.
Family and Friends will be received on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes and Crematory, 3900 Central Avenue, Shadyside, Ohio 43947. The service will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11:00am at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Life-Giving Fountain, 315 North 5th Street Martins Ferry, Ohio 43935, with Father Constantine Makrinos officiating. Interment will follow at the Powhatan Cemetery. Following the Interment, the family will have a celebration of life at the American Legion in Shadyside, Ohio.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Life-Giving Fountain at TMCFunding.com
Arrangements entrusted to Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes and Crematory, 3900 Central Avenue, Shadyside, Ohio 43947.
We send our deepest sympathies to Mary (Mom/Yiayia) as well as the boys and their families.
Maria, Michael James, and I share in your grief and we were honored to have been there with him.
May Dad/Papou rest in peace and may his memory be eternal.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending love to your family during this difficult time.
-The Lassiter Family (Jimmy, Aubrey and Walter)
Jimmy, your father sounds like he was an exceptional man. He was so accomplished, admired and loved. I’m sorry I never got to know him. He was a great man! Our deep condolences.
Lee and Margaret
Mike was good friend to us and good substitute teacher for me he was good football coach for my dad down in River in 1972 we are going to miss Mike a lot. Sorry for your loss from the Tyler family.
Mr. Matsakis was an important part of my middle school and high school years. I remember him as an excellent teacher and he made learning fun. My mother, Betty Ferry, was a colleague of his and thought highly of him. My sympathy is extended to his wife and family. May they find solace in his long life, well lived.
Our condolences to the Matsakis family. Peace be with you at this difficult time ~ with caring thoughts,
Bill and Sue Stager
Condolences to the family. Mr. Matsakis was my biology teacher at Powhatan. He was my favorite teacher. I loved it when I would see him and Mary in the hot dog. We always talked and he made me feel good like we were still in school. Rest In Peace and prayers to the family.
Koumbara Mary, Manny, Jimmy, George, and Louie,
May God rest Koumbaro Mike’s soul. May his memory be eternal!
With love your cousins,
Dr. John & Correna Panagiotou
Our condolences to Mary, Manny, Jimmy, George, Louie and all the family. Mike Matsakis was an amazing man who was like a second father to my children and a great inspiration. He had a perfect wife and four fabulous, dedicated sons. Of course, George was an integral part of our family as long as anyone can remember. Mike lived a full and interesting life. We love you all very much.
George – So sorry for your loss. Fond memories of him growing up and as our guidance counselor while we were in school. Praying for you and your family!
Seg