Emanuel E. Lardakis

``TOGETHER FOREVER'

Emanuel E. Lardakis

Emanuel Lardakis, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away April 28, 2011.

He was the beloved husband for 57 years of Ditza (deceased); loving father of Terry of Bath, Ohio, Tony (Moira) of Pepper Pike, Ohio and Irene (Jon) Gunnerson of The Woodlands, Texas; dearest Pappou to Christopher, Michael and David Lardakis and Jessica and Alexander Gunnerson; loving brother of Nicholas (Kalomira) of Akron, Ohio, both deceased, and cousin of Stelianos Halkitis of Akron. He will be deeply missed by those who cherished his captivating personality and zest for life.

Born in Kos, Greece on September 29, 1918, he was the younger of two children born to Irene and Eleftherios Lardakis. As a young man, he served in the Greek Army as an interpreter throughout Europe and the Middle East. Emanuel and Ditza were childhood sweethearts. They married in Kos and immigrated to Akron, Ohio in 1947. He owned and operated his barbershop for more than 50 years and served as president of the local barber's union. His customers became friends for life, often traveling long distances for a visit to his shop, usually followed by a meal. He loved traveling with ``his Ditza' who was the love of his life.

His children and grandchildren were the greatest joys of his life. Emanuel taught them the importance of family, education, their Greek heritage and the Orthodox faith. He was also a wonderful uncle and cousin to many in the United States and Greece.

He was an active member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, where he served on the board of trustees and as vice president. He served as president of the Greek American Progressive Association (GAPA), and was active in the Order of AHEPA. Ditza and Emanuel were also leaders of the church's Senior Citizens Group, planning fun-filled trips and events, often singing and playing the mandolin for the group. He deeply touched everyone he met and will always be remembered with love.

Service will be held at 10 a.m. MONDAY at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 Union St., Akron, Ohio 44304, with Rev. Fr. Jerry F. Hall officiating. Interment at Rose Hill Burial park. Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., SUNDAY from 4 to 7:30 p.m., with a Trisagion service at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Fr. George and Presvytera Zafera Bartz Camp Scholarship Fund or The Anthony D. Retikas Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)