Michael B. Arvanitis, 83 of Andover, died on October 9, 2012, after a short illness.
Michael was born to William and Demetra (Kavouris) Arvanitis and was a lifelong resident of Lawrence. He attended local schools and graduated from Lawrence High School.
Michael was a loving and devoted brother and son. He was always very attentive to his mother. Regardless of weather, Mike would wheel his mother throughout the city daily.
Michael attended Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Andover. His parents were one of the founding fathers of the church.
As a young man, Mike pedaled fruit with his Uncle Bill Giannopoulos and his brother George throughout the Greater Lawrence area.
His family wishes to thank the staff of Academy Manor, especially on B2 for all the love and care that was given to Mike during his stay over the past 7 years. Along with being a wonderful support group they treated Mike like he was a member of their family. He also shared a very special bond with his aide Alex.
We, his family, are grateful to their commitment and dedication, not just to Mike, but to all the residents of Academy Manor.
During his stay at the Manor, Mike participated in every social event. He especially enjoyed taking part in the Christmas Choir. Even though Mike was a quiet man, he was well known throughout the building by staff and residents alike.
Mike celebrated his 80th birthday at a surprise party attended by family and residents of Academy Manor at Angelica’s Restaurant, in Middleton, where he enjoyed a special birthday cake and musical activities.
Mike is survived by his sisters-in-law, Linda Taylor Arvanitis, of Lawrence, Jeannine Arvanitis, of Methuen, Nephews William of North Andover, Richard of Florida, great Nieces Kristen Sipsey, of Methuen, Lauren Williams of Everett, Kimberly Arvanitis, of Salem, NH, Great Nephews Geoffrey of Boston, Keith of Maine, along with several great, great nieces and nephew. He also leaves his devoted friend, Peggy Diaz, of Salem, NH. Mike is predeceased by his parents, his brothers John and Atty. George W. Arvanitis, and his great nephew Nicholas Arvanitis.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to call on Sunday, October 14th, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. For online condolences and other information please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com.
His funeral service will be celebrated on Monday, October 15th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 71 Chandler Road, Andover, Massachusetts. His burial will follow in the Bellevue Cemetery in Lawrence, MA.
In memory of Michael please make donations to the Academy Manor Activities Center, 89 Morton Street, Andover, MA. 01810.