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Michael Filipos Obituary
Michael Filipos of Bethlehem entered peacefully into eternal life on November 22, 2013. Michael was the husband of Kathryn Filipos, his loving and devoted wife of many years. Michael was born on September 11 to the late John and Mary (Bournias) Filipos. Michael was a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy where he was co-captain of the wrestling team. He graduated from Lehigh University in 1954 with a BS in Business Administration. An outstanding wrestler, Michael was co-captain of the team, two-time EIWA Champion and one-time runner-up. He was a Brother of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. During his 30 year career with the Bethlehem Steel Company in the billing and information service department, Michael served in supervisory and administration management positions. Upon his retirement Michael worked as a realtor with Coldwell Banker for 10 years. He was a coach for the West Bethlehem Youth Wrestling Association, served on the board of the Lehigh Wresting Club and on the board of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. He was a brother of the Order of Ahepa Homer Chapter #65 in Bethlehem serving as a Past President. He was a member of the South Side Booster Club. Michael was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Bethlehem. Michael was a devoted husband, loving father and wonderful Papou. He loved life and lived each day with a warm smile, great sense of humor and unfailing optimism. Michael's family was the most important part of his life and he treasured his time with his children and grandchildren. He especially loved to share his summers on Peaks Island in Maine with his family and friends during fun-filled lobster bakes on the backshore. Survivors: Michael will be grievously missed by his best friend and loving wife Kate, sons John, Tass, Gregory, David and daughter Elizabeth, stepdaughter Gretchen, grandchildren Nicholas, Luke, Christopher, Elana, Rachel and Madison. Predeceased by a grandson Greg Smith. He is also survived by brothers Constantine and Van both of Bethlehem and several nieces and nephews. Services: In honoring Michael's wishes there will be no public service; a private family celebration of Michael's Life will follow at a later date. Funeral arrangements are by the John F. Herron Funeral Home in Bethlehem. Contributions: In lieu of flowers to Lehigh Wrestling 641 Taylor Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 or St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1607 West Union Blvd. Bethlehem, PA 18018.
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July 7, 2014
I first met Mike in my first year at Valley Forge Military Acadamey. We considered ourselves as special people since we both came from Bethlehem, PA. Mike was in the D-Troop (All work with horses) while I was in A Company (Infantry) We both became good friends during vacation times since we saw very little of each other during school hours.Mike lived in Bethlehem not far from my house so we became very close friends.Many good times were developed during our summer vacations that made us very close friends.
June 14, 2014
We miss my Dad every day, and especially on this first Father's Day without him. He was a wonderful, kind, loving, warm and fun person with a great sense of humor. I appreciate how hard he worked to raise five children and instill good values and a strong work ethic. He taught us the importance of caring for, helping and fully enjoying family and friends, and appreciating all aspects of life. There is so much more he did and we had a lot of fun along the way. We were so fortunate to have such a fine man for a Father and friend and will forever miss his company God bless and keep you.
Love always, Elizabeth (Filipos) Harrington
P.s. Thank you to everyone for the warm condolences and sharing great memories of my Dad. Much appreciated.
May 9, 2014
I never knew Mike until we became friends during our 4 year stay at Valley Forge Military Acadamey. Our friendship became strong during our summer vacations. WE THEN BOTH CONTINUED OUR FRIENDSHIP AT THE SAME FRATERNITY AT lEHIGH UNIVERSITY. THE FRIENDSHIP BECAME STRONGER THROUGH THE YEARS AND THE UP AND DOWN EXPERIENCES THAT FORMED A BOND THAT BECAME STRONGER AS THE YEARS PAST.
Scott Turkel
May 8, 2014
Sorry to hear of Mr Filipos. I wrestled with his son Greg at Maryland and always enjoyed my time with this amazi g family. God bless Mike may be rest in peace. Turk
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Barbara
December 11, 2013
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your wonderful Dad. You have all been blessed to enjoy having this wonderful person as the head of your family. Looking in from the outside, I saw a good man who cherished his family, took pride in all their accomplishments, loved and accepted their friends, and made everyone feel so welcome in his home...your Dad was a very special person, and I share in your sorrow. May you find comfort and peace in the days ahead.
December 6, 2013
Dear Katie & Family.
We were saddened to learn of Mike's passing. We have such fond memories of him when he worked with us at Coldwell Banker. His sense of humor enlivened any social gathering we had. He was such a fine man. Nick always loved having another Greek in the office. May your fond memories sustain you at this time. With love, Cathy & Nick Kavounas
Glenn and Darla Rossetti
November 29, 2013
Dear Van and the Filipos family
We were very sorry to here about the passing of your brother. Mike was always very gracious and friendly when I saw him at your family home. Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Cindy (Stackhouse) Liedl
November 27, 2013
It's been over 20 years since we lived next door to Kate and Mike on Chester Road. I haven't forgotten what wonderful neighbors they were. I can still remember Mike's smile like it was yesterday. So sorry, Kate and Gretchen, for your loss.
November 27, 2013
Dear Filipos Family,My Heart goes out to you all during his very difficult time.Thoughts and Prayers as he will continue to be present in your lives forever.May God bless you all.Rich Wescoe
CASS CAMARDA
November 27, 2013
I FIRST MET MIKE WHEN HE WAS GIVING ME A LECTURE ON HOW TO HOLD A RIFLE DURING A PARADE WE WERE BOTH INVOLVED WITH AT VALLEY FORGE MILITARY ACADEMY. WE SOON BECAME GOOD FRIENDS THAT HAS LASTED OVER 69 YEARS.OUR FRIENDSHIP WAS CLOSE DURING ALL THESE YEARS.I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW IMPORTANT HIS FRIENDSHIP HAS MEANT TO ME.
Palmer Zigmund
November 27, 2013
Van - We were very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was a faithful and valued member of the Lehigh Wrestling community and will be missed.
November 27, 2013
My deepest sympathy to you Kate. I am shocked and sad to hear the news and wish you well at this unfortunate time. Will miss running into you together.
Sincerely, June Bierbaum Gollatz.
Angeline Csaszar
November 27, 2013
God bless
November 26, 2013
Dear Filipos Family,
I've been a Lehigh season ticket holder for approximately 8 years. I had the great fortune of owning the two seats in front of Mike. I often attended the matches with my buddy, Tom, who posses a gregarious personality which resulted in an entertaining banter with Mike on a nightly basis. Tom and I have one thing in common, an uncommon love of wrestling and an appreciation for all of the combatants, whether a member of our team or the enemy. Each night, we spoke with Mike as the match progressed, and he never failed to entertain us with his witty comments and insights. As Tom and I move through the rest of our lives, our conversations will always come back to our memories of Mike. He was a true treasure, a person we'll always admire and respect. I often wished that I could spend a night with Mike at a restaurant listening to his stories of his matches during his days at Lehigh. Unfortunately, I never had the courage to ask Mike to dinner, and I'll always regret this failure. I'd like to offer my condolences to the Filipos family. You've lost a husband, a father, and a family member. Many of us that you have never met and never will know have lost a man that we greatly admire. My heart goes out to you. Mike will forever be in our thoughts, and will never be forgotten by these two LU season ticket holders.
Brian Kull
Michelle & Carlene Rossetti
November 26, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Filipos family. We will always remember his warm smile and jovial personality at the Filipos Christmas Eve parties. He had a way of making you feel so welcome. He will be missed by all.
Craig Reynolds
November 26, 2013
To the Filipos Family,
Mike was one of my favorite managers at BSCO. I was a wrestler at Southern Lehigh and we talked about wrestling on many occasions. I remember Van as a teacher there. Mike was a great guy. My sympathies to the Filipos family.
Leon Harbold
November 26, 2013
Dear Kate and family, Mike was a solid member of the Lehigh wrestling family and will be missed. I always looked forward to seeing and speaking with Mike and Cass during the wrestling matches and knowing Mike's knowledge of the sport respected his views. His spirit will continue to be remembered by his family as well as all of us his life touched.
Leon Harbold
November 26, 2013
Our family was so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I still remember being in Mrs. Adams 5th grade class and listening on the radio with Van as Mike won the EIWA Championship. Donald, Carol, Michael Julie, Christina and Ed.
Greg Strobel
November 26, 2013
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you. Mike was a great wrestler and good friend of Lehigh University. We will miss him.
Frank Scattene
November 26, 2013
To the entire Filipos family... on behalf of my mother Marie, my sisters and the entire Scattene Family, past and present, our deepest sympathies. Mikes genuine and warm smile is something we all enjoyed and will remember. At my Dad's viewing, he got choked up and said my Dad was a good guy.. well, Mike was one of those good guys too. All the best to all of you...
Pantelis Roufakis and Family
November 26, 2013
We were very sorry to hear of your loss. May God rest his soul and give you peace in this difficult time.
Manny and Karen Stratos
November 26, 2013
May the Lord give you strength during your time of grief. Remember one day you will see each other again in the Kingdom of God.
Bill McDonald
November 26, 2013
Both sorry and surprised to learn of Mike's passing. My condolences to Kate and to Mike's family.I worked with Mike for many years at BSCO/Corporate Data Processing. He was a good friend of my cousin, Jim MacDonald of London.
Trish Freda
November 26, 2013
To Van, John and the entire Filipos family:
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Please know that my family and I will be praying for all of you during this difficult time. I still remember when he used to come in the office to see Van. He was a very nice man. May he rest in peace.
Christian and Rebecca Filipos family
November 26, 2013
Husband, father, grandfather, friend, wrestler, Ahepan. May your memory be eternal. We'll miss you uncle mike.
David DiGiacinto
November 26, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Filipos family on the passing of Mike. He had a great life and a family to be proud of. In particular to his children, John, Tass, Gregory, David, and Liz, who I had the opportunity to get to know and become friends with during my High School days at Liberty,... all the best during the this tough time and upcoming holiday season.
Basil Mossaidis
November 26, 2013
May his memory be eternal
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458 Center & Market Streets, Bethlehem, PA 18018
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