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Michael KARABETSOS Obituary
KARABETSOS, Michael K.
Michael K. Karabetsos, 72, of Portland, beloved husband for over 45 years of Eleni (Balis) Karabetsos, died, Monday (September 10, 2012) at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Sanga (Tripoli) Greece son of Konstantinos and Panagiota (Javaras) Karabetsos. Michael was raised by his step mother Demetra Karabetsos. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1955. Mike was a renowned restaurateur, having operated several restaurant's in the Hartford area, among them Mike's Luncheonette for several years, The Pizza Palace, East Hartford, for 30 years and more recently Elaine's Restaurant in Wethersfield founding it in 1991. He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral where he served on the Parish Council and was actively involved in many of the church's activities especially the Greek Festival. He was President of the Arcadian Club. He enjoyed spending summers in Greece and adored his beloved grandchildren. He was an avid Baltimore Orioles and New York Giants fan. Besides his wife he is survived by two sons, Dino and his wife Joanne Karabetsos of Glastonbury, Chris and his wife Elizabeth Karabetsos of Belchertown, MA, a daughter Patricia Fluet and her husband Scott of Glastonbury, six grandchildren, Ariana and Alyssa Fluet, Michael and Theodore Karabetsos, and Alena and Alexa Karabetsos and a future grandchild, two brothers, James and his wife Elli Karabetsos of Manchester, and William Karabetsos of East Hartford, a sister, Stella Bikakis and her husband Dino of Berlin, and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Friday, September 14, 2012, 12:30 p.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Ave. Hartford with The Rev. F. George Zugravu officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Thursday, 5-7 p.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. A Trisayion service will be Thursday, 6 p.m. at the Cathedral. The family would like to thank the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center and Vitas Hospice for all their compassionate care given to Michael. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to: Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Ctr. 85 Retreat Ave. Hartford, CT 06106 or St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Basketball Team, 433 Fairfield Ave, Hartford, CT 06114. To share a memory with the family, please visit, www.dillonbaxter.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael KARABETSOS
Gary Santoro
September 6, 2020
Michael was a very good friend, I enjoyed the conversations we had over coffee. Michael may be gone but he will never be forgotten to me. Rest in peace my dear friend until our paths cross again.
Gary Santoro
September 8, 2019
Michael was a great friend, He was always smiling and treated his customers with respect. When ever we went in to get a bite to eat, Michael would always come over and sit down with us. When I retired and moved away I missed the conversation that we use to have and I missed seeing all of his family as they worked at the restaurant. Friends like Michael and his family are hard to find and I miss seeing and talking to them. Rest in piece Michael, you were a Great Friend.
Robert Chesanow
November 8, 2012
I just learned of Mike's passing. Those of us who worked for years at Cedarcrest became regular patrons, and for some, good friends of Mike and his marvelous family. He will be missed.
Jim Kishimoto
September 16, 2012
To the karabetsos family. I was truly sadend to hear of mikes illness two weeks ago.Now I am in shock to hear of his passing.Mike was truly a great guy I very much respected.My heart with prayers goes out to your family as you go through this difficult time.
Tracee Charlie Carroll
September 14, 2012
Dino, Patty, Christopher and family
We are very sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of your Dad but the one I love the most was Sunday night trips from AIC to Pizza Palace(even though Dino made the pizza) your Dad always had a kind look and understanding that what we were about to devour was not close to the food from our cafetiria. The amtosphere was as close to home as all of us knew. Thank you sharing your Dad and allowing us to feel home/family. We share your sorrow but celebrate your father's life.
All our love Tracee and Charlie Carroll Go Orioles!
Jodi Morris
September 14, 2012
To the entire Karabetsos family ~
I was deeply saddened to hear about Mike's passing. He was was a great man and I feel so blessed to have known him. I was always made to feel very welcome, during my many visits to "Elaine's" - sometimes with Nita, other times without. I have many great memories of sitting at the bar, eating, drinking and enjoying great conversations (sometimes in Greek which I didn't speak, but somehow managed to follow). You all hold a very special place in my heart. Sending my deepest sympathies during this very difficult time!
I'm so sorry for your loss!
RIP Mike!~
Michael Aparo
September 14, 2012
My wife, Ann, and I were saddened to hear of your loss. We had such a good time at Elaine's for our daughter's engagement party a couple years ago, due in large part to Dino's wonderful sense of hospitality. "By their fruits you shall know them," Jesus said. By that measure, Mike must have been a great man, indeed, as shown by his son's personality. May he rest in peace, and may your faith sustain you.
Joanne Devanney
September 14, 2012
Michael (Boomer) and I are very saddened to learn of Mike's passing. We have many fond memories of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Karabetsos family.
George & Cheryl Souliotis
September 13, 2012
Our sincere condolences to the Karabetsos family on Mike's passing. We are very sorry for your loss.
Stavros Tsiampas
September 13, 2012
Eleni & Family
We share your sorrow in the loss of your beloved Michael. We are particularly grateful to both of you for the kindness shown to us on our trips to Connecticut and during the Summer visits in Sanga. Mike brought laughter and warmth to these occasions.
You have so many wonderful memories of him and we hope that they will help to sustain you in the days ahead. Please know that Mike was one person who did make a difference. God Bless.
Stavros & Eleanor Tsiampas
Nancy Cavallaro
September 13, 2012
Dear Karabetsos Family,
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of a wonderful person.
Renato and Monica Pace
September 13, 2012
Dear Dino and Eline Family,
Our Deepest sympathy for the loss of a wonderful men. He was a special person to whomever knew him. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
September 13, 2012
Mike was very special to both of us. He knew how much we loved him and we both know how much he loved us. No words can express the sadness we feel. We find comfort in what a blessing it was to have him as a part of our lives. May his Memory be Eternal!!!
Nita and Maria
Nita
September 13, 2012
When I was four years old and did not yet speak english, I would wait for my favorite ice cream truck, my Greek Boy. I waited to hear his bell which was not that of Mr. Softee or Good Humor. He treated me special and spoke my language. Later on when I was President of the Parish Council at St. George, my Dad asked me if I remembered my Greek Boy. He then laughed and told me that my Vice President, Mike Karabetsos, was that same Greek Boy who I had that crush on. In 2003 when I became God Mother to Alyssa, the boubounieres were Ice Cream Cones as a surprise for Mike. Little did we know that my Greek Boy and I would become family. I loved him and will miss him very much. May his Memory Be Eternal!
Gerasimos & Panagiota Dimitratos & Family
September 12, 2012
Dear Karabetsos Family,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of such a wonderful individual. May the memories grant you peace and comfort during these difficult times. ZOI SE SAS!
Tony & Estelle Kriticos
September 12, 2012
To Helen and family.
With deepest sympathy we have to say goodbye to a wonderful man. Good, kind, generous and with a smile always on his face is how we will remember him. May he rest now in peace and may his memory be eternal.
Gary Santoro
September 12, 2012
Mike was a great friend,and I enjoyed working with him and the family. Since my retirement, I miss not seeing him and Dino. This is very sad news. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
September 12, 2012
Dear Elena,Dino & Chris,
Mike was such a wonderful person and I am truly glad that I had the opportunity to get to know him and all of you when Elaine's opened up and e shared so many times there. I truly enjoyed listening to the many memories he and John shared about their E.H. days and those they both knew. I am so sorry for your loss and know that time will help heal today's sorrow.
Anna Maria Fornino
Colette (Dolin) Moore
September 12, 2012
I was one year out of high school when my Dad came home and said that he'd rented a store to a nice young teenager who just came from Greece; thus the start of Mike's Luncheonette. Mike was successful from thereon due to his calm personality, kindness and gentlemanly dealings with people...always happy to see you. My Dad would have been so pleased that he gave Mike his start here in the States.
Elaine, my sincere condolences to you and your Family on Mike's passing.
September 12, 2012
We are very sorry for your loss Mike was a very good friend Charles and Effie Paindiris
Michael Hatzikostantis
September 12, 2012
Dearest Koumbara, Dino,Joanne, Patty, Scott, Chris, & Elizabeth & families: We are very sorry for your loss. O Koumbaros was a great man and he will be missed by all. May God rest his soul. Remember, we will all be reunited in HIS presense soon. May God give you and your families strength through these trying times. We are here for you if you need anything. We love you very much. Michael, Dionysia, Konstandina, & Theodosios Hatzikostantis
Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home - Wethersfield
September 12, 2012
Our sincere sympathies for your loss.
Sophia MacGillis
September 12, 2012
Our love is with you during this time of sorrow. Treasure the memories of a loving father and grandfather. Mr. Karabetsos is at peace now.
Sophia, Rob & Kyle MacGillis
September 12, 2012
Dino & Family
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. I worked at the restaurant a few years back, and although I hadn't spoken to you or your Dad in some time, please know I have many fond memories of your Dad and working with him. He was a good man. I extend my prayers and thoughts to you, your Mom and the family. Sincerely Pam Civiello
September 12, 2012
our prays and thought are with your family, Mike was a special man and will always be in our hearts love Julie Gary and Momma
September 12, 2012
Joanne & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ~Deepest sympathies
~The Cipkas Family
Dorothy Paleologos
September 12, 2012
My love and prayers to the entire family. May his memory be eternal.
September 12, 2012
To Helen, Dino, Patty & Chris: Words cannot express my sadness for all of you and your families today. I am so sorry for your loss and I will always keep the wonderful memories of growing up with Patty & being a part of your family dear to my heart!! Love Alana (Daughter #2) XO
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