Michael Steve Moraitakis

Michael “Mike” Steve Moraitakis, 91, husband to Christine “Chris” Waldrop Moraitakis of Atlanta, fell asleep in our Lord on April 30, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. The relatives and friends of Michael and Christine Moraitakis are invited to attend his Funeral Services at 11:00 AM Friday, May 4, 2018 at The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM Thursday at A.S. Turner & Sons. The Trisagion service will begin at 7:00 PM. Online condolences may be offered at www.asturner.com.

Mike was born in the small town of Cordele, Georgia on November 2, 1926, in the family home. He was the son of Stephanos and Eleni Moraitakis, of Atlanta, Georgia. As a young and newly married couple Mike’s parents immigrated to the United States from Greece. They came to America seeking new opportunities and to start a family that would define their legacy. They brought with them their proud Greek heritage upon which they built the foundation to begin their new life. Mike was their fourth child was born into a loving household with two sisters, Cally and Anna and his brothers George, Angelo and Victor.

Mike was a very creative young person in more ways than one. In his chemistry class he absorbed everything his teacher taught including how to make a still. He used that to make moonshine which the town discovered on Christmas Day because of its strong smell. He contacted some friends who traded driving lessons for his moonshine! He also constructed a model chicken which earned him Honor Roll as a senior in high school. He said “If I had known how popular I would be with the girls, I would have been on the honor roll every year.”

In 1944 Mike was drafted into the US Army while a senior in high school. He trained at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia and departed for the Pacific War after the war in Europe ended. After crossing under the Golden Gate Bridge he learned he was going to Korea. Because of his restaurant background he served as a chief mess sergeant feeding the troops.

Mike returned to Atlanta in 1946 and joined his family who bought the Poinsettia restaurant in Virginia Highlands presently La Tavola. It was there he met his bride of 67 years…when he saw her beautiful long red hair…he was swept off his feet in true love! From that point he co-owned with his father the De Leon Grill on Ponce De Leon. He then joined his brothers as an owner of a wholesale meat business supplying many Atlanta restaurants.

In 1979, he became the Administrator of the Church Hellenic Center which he managed for twenty years. During all of that time he hosted softball tournaments, weddings, baptisms, funerals, Palm Sundays, and Easters. He was also on the church Parish Council for 12 years and was most notable for the way he warmly welcomed and encouraged newcomers. He had a joyful impact to everyone with his good nature, positive spirit, and fun loving humor. He was a great organizer who loved to cook and coordinated the food served at the Atlanta Greek Festival for decades.

Mike was a long time Freemason and Worshipful Master of Capital City Lodge #642 serving the most terms – five years.

Mike joined Ahepa - the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. He became President of Mother Lodge Chapter #1 in 1978 - 1979. He was chosen as District Ahepan of the Year when he grew the chapter to 300 members!

In 2009, The Metropolis of Atlanta awarded Mike the Wings of Archangel Michael for his faithful and unceasing ministry to the parish families of the Metropolis of Atlanta and the Annunciation Cathedral of Atlanta.

Mike is survived by his wife Christine, his daughters Helen Aicklen (Bill), Emily Alexander (Pete), and Maria Moraitakis. He is meeting his daughter Stephanie in heaven. He was blessed with his grandchildren Michael Hoon, Stephanie Gentry (Russ), Christina Aicklen, Margot Aicklen, Madeleine Mudd, Emma Mudd, Pete Alexander (Dani), Hannah Alexander, and many more nephews, nieces and cousins.

Our family wishes to express eternal gratitude to the caregivers at Golden Living / Briarwood Health & Rehabilitation Center and also to Crossroads Hospice. We will always be grateful.

Memorial donations may be made to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 2500 Clairmont Road, Atlanta GA 30329.

“The Lord recompenses you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord … under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” Ruth 2:12