Michael Arthur Argeros

LYNN - Michael Arthur Argeros, 84, of Lynn, died Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007, at Brooksby Village in Peabody surrounded by family members after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was the husband of the late Genevieve (Poulos) Argeros.

Mr. Argeros was born and raised in Peabody, the son of the late Arthur M. Argeros and Andigone (Tsouvalas) Argeros. He was a graduate of Peabody High School and attended Boston University while in the ROTC program.

At the outset of World War II, Mr. Argeros signed up with the Army Air Forces' Air Cadet Program for pilot training. Mr. Argeros became a second lieutenant instructor pilot in 1943 on single engine aircraft including the AT-6 Texan and the fighter aircraft P-40 Warhawk. Over the course of the war Mr. Argeros trained hundreds of Allied pilots for combat missions in Europe and later in the Pacific Theater.

Mr. Argeros was stationed first at Craig Field, Alabama and later at Randolph Field, Texas. He also was a courier during preparations for the Doolittle raids. After the war, Mr. Argeros served in the Air Force Reserves, retiring in 1982 with the rank of major after faithfully and honorably serving his country for nearly 40 years.

Mr. Argeros and his wife Genevieve moved to Lynn in 1957. During that time he was the owner and proprietor of the Blue Meadows Dairy Bar in Lynn. He also owned the Blue Meadows Laundromat and various other real estate holdings. In 1963, at age 41, Mr. Argeros embarked on a new career with the Allstate Insurance Co. He proceeded over the next 20 years to become one of Allstate's top performing sales agents consistently winning awards and honors for exceeding sales production goals. Mr. Argeros remained in the insurance business throughout his life and joined with his son Nick in 1988 to form Argeros Insurance Agency Inc. in Reading. In addition Mr. Argeros, along with his wife, established Argeros Realty Trust and Samos Realty which owned and managed residential and commercial properties in Lynn.

Mr. Argeros had many interests over the years. As a lifetime Red Sox fan he spoke frequently of the great Red Sox teams of the 1940s and 1950s and how they came so close to beating the Yankees. He was also an avid boatsman and fisherman. He also enjoyed playing golf and was a longtime member of Salem Country Club in Peabody in which he was a proud member of the Retreads. He was a member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Lynn, in which he served in various leadership capacities over the years. He was also a member of AHEPA.

Mr. Argeros is survived by his daughter Andrea Mihos and her husband Christy Mihos of West Yarmouth; two sons, Nicholas D. Argeros and his wife Elizabeth Argeros of Beverly, and Arthur M. Argeros and his wife Sophia Argeros of Lynnfield. Six grandchildren; Ashley and Christy Mihos, Michael, Katrina and Gregory Argeros, and Alexander Argeros. He is also survived by a brother James A. Argeros and his wife Janice of Lynnfield; two sisters Mary Argeros of Aurora, Ohio and Evangeline Leondiris of Peabody; two stepgrandchildren, Monica Schmidt and her husband Chad, and Amanda Cavallaro; a great-grandstepdaughter Serena Bowen; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and godchildren.

Mr. Argeros funeral will be held on Monday at 9 a.m. in St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 54 S. Common St., Lynn, followed by services at 10 a.m. Burial in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours will be at the Solimine, Landergan and Richardson Funeral Home, 67 Ocean St. (Route 1A), Lynn, on Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m.

Donations may be made to the Michael and Genevieve Argeros Scholarship Fund, c/o St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 54 S. Common Street, Lynn, MA 01902.

Directions and guest book at www.solimine.com.