He was the husband of Ann Dimitriou.
Born on May 25, 1933, in Kos, Greece, he was a son of the late Haralampis and Ekaterina Dimitriou.
He was a graduate of Reading High School, Franklin and Marshall College and The Dickinson School of Law.
Manny served in the Army from 1955 to 1957.
Atty. Dimitriou was admitted to the Pennsylvania and Berks County Bar on Dec. 9, 1960. He was the first public defender in Berks County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
He served as Berks County's public defender from March 1, 1964, to May 1, 1968. Mr. Dimitriou was recognized as a preeminent criminal trial attorney in the state of Pennsylvania, practicing across the state. He was named in “Best Lawyers in America” every year since its publication in 1983.
He was admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District and the Middle District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. He was a former vice chairman of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Criminal Rules Committee. He was one of the acknowledged “legends” of the Berks County Bar.
He was an active member of SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Reading. He was a lecturer at Penn State University, Alvernia College and Albright College.
Manny was a proud member of the Wednesday “spaghetti with the boys night.” He was also an avid Eagles fan.
He is also survived by seven children: Mary Unger, West Lawn; Harry Dimitriou, Harrisburg; John, husband of Brenda Churico, Orwigsburg; Catherine, wife of Thomas Kambouroglos, Lancaster; Eleni, wife of Kurt Geishauser, Exeter Township; Eirinn Dimitriou, Culver City, Calif.; and Ann, wife of David Pipkin, Exeter Township.
Other survivors include his only brother, Steve, husband of Melody Dimitrious; and their children, Christian Dimitrious; and Emmanuel, husband of Annie Dimitrious.
There are also 20 grandchildren: Matthew, Kathleen, Madeline and Kelly Churico; Bridget Pfile, Mary and Eleni Kearney; Isabella, Therese and Katie Unger; Nicholas, Emmanuel, Anna, Caitlyn and Gabrielle Kambouroglos and Therese, Eleni, Olivia, Emmanuel and Maeve Geishauser; and three great-grandchildren: Xavius Eschleman, and Anthony and Nolan Eddinger.
Services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. in SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. Entombment will be in Gethsemane Cemetery Mausoleum. Friends may call today 4 to 8 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., West Reading and Wednesday 10 to 11 a.m. in the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Berks County Bar Association, for a scholarship in honor of Emmanuel H. Dimitriou, 544 Court St., Reading, PA 19601 or to SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at the above address. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gloria Mertz Gemmill
March 30, 2008
Ann, My Very Deepest Sympathy to You and Your Family on the death of Manny. May his memories live on in your hearts, forever. Your Friend and High School Classmate.
Terri Quick and Family
March 25, 2008
I just want you to know that you are all in our prayers. We'd only known Manny since November 2007 but he made a big impact on our family. He believed in my son and actually made a similar comment to me in describing him to me. As we sat in the courtroom he shook his head and turn to me saying, "He is not a criminal, he is just so naive". I am certain that Kurt will do a great job in filling those shoes. Manny was a wonderful man and terrific attorney. I am convinced that Kurt had the Best teacher.
Always know that Manny is watching over all of you.
Nicole Fisher
March 23, 2008
To The Dimitriou Family,
I wish to express my
deepest sympathy. Manny was not only my lawyer but friend. He taught me that there is more to being young than trouble! I will always remember being in his office looking at 100s of pictures of family especially grandchildren which he was so proud of! He will be truely missed, but I know he will be watching over all of us!
Amanda Williams
March 21, 2008
To the Dimitriou family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God bless you and your family.
Amanda Williams (Amanda Taylor-Eirinn's old roommate from Harrisburg)
Kermit & Cindy Bohn
March 19, 2008
What a inspirational man! I was a young man when I me Manny. He taught business law and "The Mr. Executive" class at McCann Business School. I remember vividly his manner of addressing life and all it's challenges. What a class individual! Our deepest sympathy to all of his loving family.
Jenn Muldowney
March 19, 2008
Mrs. Dimitriou & Family We were so saddened to hear the news of Manny’s passing. We had the honor and privilege of knowing him for the last few years. He was there for our family when we needed him. We were able to witness the amazing, intelligent, no nonsense lawyer as well as the gentle, down to earth soul that he was.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. We know that the great strength he bestowed upon you as well as your many family and friends will carry you through this very sad time. Remember that "Those who live in the hearts of others never die" and many a heart Manny permeated.
Our deepest sympathy,
The Shields & Muldowney Families
Dan, Jen, Eric, Kim, Joel, and Yasmine
Jennifer Smith
March 19, 2008
Eirinn & family,
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you in this time of need. I did not know Manny but worked with Eirinn at Aetna, became friends and heard great stories of him and family! Sadly, I wish I would have kept in touch with her. Take comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering.
Elizabeth DeLeon
March 19, 2008
To Mrs. Dimitriou and Family, Just wanted to say that your Husband and Father are in good hands now. The Lord is showing him the GATES OF HEAVEN , as he is being put at his resting place today on Wednesday , March 19 2008. This man was and always will be " THE BEST " ever. He is out of pain and suffering , and now all we can do is keep this wonderful man in our prayers . He was a close friend of my father, and shared many good times together at the Plaza Madrid in Reading Pa. Again keep faith , and look foward to meeting up with him again someday.
Pamela Miller & Family
March 19, 2008
Eleni and Family,
Just letting you know that you and your family are in my family's prayers. May God grant you the strength to deal with this difficult loss.
Anna Rivera
March 19, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes to all who were touched by this wonderful man.I was stunned to read of his passing.He seemed invincible.He helped me and my two sons.This man was a true hero.Tough and stern on the outside but a sweetheart of a man,loving ,caring and compassionate. My prayers are with you. God Bless. Anna Rivera and sons, Timothy and Joshua.
March 19, 2008
We were so saddened to hear the news of Manny’s passing. We had the honor and privilege of knowing him for the last few years. He was there for our family when we needed him. We were able to witness the amazing, intelligent, no nonsense lawyer as well as the gentle, down to earth soul that he was.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. We know that the great strength he bestowed upon you as well as your many family and friends will carry you through this very sad time. Remember that "Those who live in the hearts of others never die" and many a heart Manny permeated.
Our deepest sympathy,
The Shields & Muldowney Families
Dan, Jen, Eric, Kim, Joel, & Yasmine
Whitney Wilcox
March 19, 2008
Steve, Melody and family,
Please accept my condolences in your time of need. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sergio Martinez
March 18, 2008
Dear Dimitriou,
Rest in Peace....Thank you.
Vera Fiorini-Keim
March 18, 2008
To The Dimitriou Family,We Send our
sincere sympathy and God Bless You
Manny,thanks for being a great
lawyer and a great friend too my
brother Joe Fiorini and family
Vera Fiorini-Keim & family.
Judy Vargas
March 18, 2008
The family of Dimitriou,
My deepest symphaty to you all, Dimitriou was one of the greatest men I have ever met. Dimitriou gave my son a second chance in life he believed in him when law enforcement did'nt and he was right. I can never forget the words he used to describe to me my son...he said, "Your son is not a criminal he's just an idiot", he was right. If he could see him now he would be proud just as I am. He will always be in our hearts especially mine for he helped in giving me back the son I lost and I could never repay him, but I know God will because I'm sure my child wasn't the only one he stood up for. Dimitriou was a fighter for what he believed in and he had eyes that could see into a soul. He will live in our hearts forever...everytime I tell the story of my son Dimitriou is a big part of the story. He's the lion in the jungle, never afraid. May God Bless You All...Hello Brenda, my condolences to you and your family.
Ted Vlassis
March 18, 2008
To Ann, Mary, Cathy and the rest of the Dimitriou Family,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband/father. May the love and support you give each other give you comfort in your time of grief.
Jeffrey Louis
March 18, 2008
I had the honor of meeting Manny thru my cousin Gus Stevens. He left a lasting impression on me. I did get to see Manny on my last trip to Reading in January and I am so glad that he came by to chat. I hope he got to enjoy the bottle of wine I gave him. He will surely be missed by all he came in contact with. He was a proud and inspirational person.
May his memory be eternal.
Jon-Tina shoemaker
March 18, 2008
This was a surprise to me and I am very sorry for your families loss. I have known Manny over 20yrs.and he really helped me when I was starting out as a young man.I really looked up to Manny as I'm sure many others have to .
MIKE DIAMOND
March 18, 2008
to the DIMITRIOU FAMILY,
Manny will surely be missed, what a fine gentlemen and a shining star in our world...he was so proud of his children and grandchildren
Nora Jefferson
March 18, 2008
Thinking of you with Sympathy.
For every sorrow He gives comfort; for every trial He gives strength; for every loss He gives peace.
In this time of sorrow, may you sense the Lord's care and compassion. With Thoughts and Prayers. To Ann from Nora (the wellness cancer class.)
Thomas Gerasklis
March 18, 2008
Dimitriou family and extended families,
We send our condolences on this sad and heart felt day. What can be said about this wondererful and great man. He has touched so many lives in a positive way. He was a tough man but fair. Never minced words. Men like Manny, people never have the pleasure to meet and know in their lifetimes. I for one, am lucky and honored to have known him. He will be missed.
Finally, I will always remember what he once told me,"everyone has the obiligation to ponder well his own specific traits of characters. He must also regulate them adequately and not wonder whether someone else's traits might suit him better. The more definitely his own a man's character is, the better it fits him."
Manny you will be missed by all.
Crystal Reider Rhoades
March 18, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Eirinn and her family. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Dimitriou but knew he was well respected in the community. I worked with Eirinn when she was at National Penn Bank. May God Bless each one of you during this difficult time.
Tom and Karen Marchu (Masano's)
March 18, 2008
Dear Ann and family, Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Kim Yiengst
March 18, 2008
To the Dimitriou family,
I wish to express my
deepest sympathy to the Dimitriou family. My father loved spending time with Manny talking about their beloved Eagles, and Elani has given me the greatest gift of a life time, my son Samuel.
He will be deeply missed.
Marie Jurasinski
March 18, 2008
Manny was the "Perry Mason" of Berks County. He was a very special friend. He'll be sadly missed.
George, Mary, and Ted Graefe
March 18, 2008
Our prayers are with the family of Atty.Dimitriou. May GOD help them through this difficult time. Atty Dimitriou was a great lawyer and a fine gentleman.
Tony, Francine, Sophia & Nicole Kambouroglos
March 18, 2008
To Tommy, Cathy, Nicholas, Anna, Emmanuel, Caitlyn and Gabrielle
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Your dad and Papou was a very strong man, whose strength we can see in all of you.
He will always walk beside you all, continuing to give you his strength and undying love.
Love
Stephanie Adams
March 18, 2008
Thanks for being such a great lawyer. You will be missed.
Michael Strahan
March 18, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Geralyn and Luis Fernandez
March 17, 2008
Eleni and family
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. You and him helped us in many ways.God will give you strength to get thru this,
Greg Schlappich
March 17, 2008
Mr. Dimitriou helped give my brother a second chance in life, after he had made some serious youthful mistakes. We will always be grateful to Mr. Dimitriou for the 32 years of hope and happiness which his skills and efforts afforded us. To all of his loved ones, you have our family's deepest sympathy.
Donn & Sylvia Johnson
March 17, 2008
Dear Ann, Steve, Melody & Family
Our hearts go out to you at this terribly sad time. We know how much this amazing husband, brother and great patriarch of his loving family will be missed. Donn & Sylvia Johnson - Atlanta, Georgia
Sharon Desmond
March 17, 2008
Dearest Dimitrious/Dimitriou Families,
It is with deep, heart-felt sadness that I send my condolences in the loss of one the finest men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Manny was a deeply passionate man who never made you guess what he was thinking...he will be greatly missed.
There are no words to express how deeply Manny's loss will be felt by those who knew and loved him most; but, to each of you, I will be holding you in my heart and lifting you up in prayer.
With deep sympathy
Peace & Blessings,
Robin Graham
March 17, 2008
Steve & Melody,
Please accept my condolences.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Kelly
March 17, 2008
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the entire Dimitriou family. Manny will always be remembered for the attorney he was but I will always remember him for the kind and gentle person I met about 10 years ago. I had the privilege to speak to him at Mrs. Hracho's viewing. What a kind man.
Tim Keating
March 17, 2008
My deepest sympathy for the family who is grieving for the loss of such a wonderful man. This world is a better place for his having lived in it - and is worse off for his departure from it. God bless you.
Sherry Carter
March 17, 2008
May your memories comfort you in the days ahead.
Sandy & Pete Cormier
March 17, 2008
Ann,Annie,Kurt,Eleni and Families
We want you to know how much we will miss the beloved "Godfather" of the Peanut Bar lunch crowd. It was so much fun getting to know your beloved Manny over the last few years. He was a true gentleman, friend to many, and most importantly a beloved husband,father,grandfather, and great grandfather. He fought the fight in the courts and in life. He was a valiant warrior. We will miss him more than you can know.
With sympathy and love
Sandy and Pete Cormier
Rebecca Donahue
March 17, 2008
My sympathy to your family on your loss. Manny showed up to pay his respects to my late husband, Officer Scott Donahue, and although he didn't know me, he showed me his sympathy and respect on the loss of my husband and I greatly appreciated him for that.
Rebecca Donahue
Duncan Family
March 17, 2008
May God Bless your family at this time of sorrow. Mr. Dimitriou was a great man & he will be deeply missed.
Dan and Pam Ducatel
March 17, 2008
Dear Steve,Melodie and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.May God bless you during this time and rest your brother in eternal peace.
Pam and Dan Ducatel
Harry W. Roberts
March 17, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Elvia & Anthony Cataldo
March 17, 2008
Mrs. Ann Dimitriou and family
We were very saddened to hear of Mr. Dimitriou's passing. We extend
our profound condolences, on the lost of this wonderful gentleman.
March 17, 2008
Our prayers are with you Manny and your family. You are an honorable person who will be deeply missed.
Nancee Goodman
March 17, 2008
Dear Ann and Family -
My heart goes out to you all in this time of sorrow. Manny definitely was one of the best and will be remembered always by the many who knew and loved him.
I saw Manny in court one time and said to my husband Bob, "I swear Manny looked as if a spot light were shining down on him!" He had quite a presence - in the court room and outside of it. Wonderful memories have a way of sustaining us.
My heartfelt sympathy to you all -
Nancee
Chris Allen and Family
March 17, 2008
Steve and Family
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy.
George Smith
March 17, 2008
As a novice on a jury panel, I was mesmerized by the way Manny worked during a case I was impaneled for in the mid 1970's. Watching him brought to life for me all those lawyer stories from Earle Stanley Gardner and others. His demeanor matched the professionalism that one got to expect from a dedicated jurist. I never had the pleasure of his company, but often came across his name in hi profile cases- even up here in Schuylkill County. God bless you, Manny, for your dedicated service.
Jill Strause
March 16, 2008
My prayers are with your entire family during this time of sorrow. I was privileged enough to treat Manny at BHOA. It was amazing to watch him and some of his defense team in our infusion room. I was glad to have known him. God Bless you all.
Dennis Eck
March 16, 2008
I was one of the first 7 Reading Police Officers and State Police to obtain our BS degrees from Penn State in 1977, thanks to Manny taking our case for one dollar
Tom and Karen
March 16, 2008
Eleni, Kurt and family
We feel a great sense of sadness knowing we will never see or talk to Manny again at the Peanut Bar after many years sharing laughs at lunch. Lunches will never be the same.
We always admired Manny's positive attitude and strength.
May God be with you and your family during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Manny, rest in peace.
Helen & Bill Edge
March 16, 2008
We only knew Manny a short period of time, but were so blessed for having had that time. Our thoughts are with his family.
Alma Lakin
March 16, 2008
Dear Eleni
Ed and I are not in town,but we send our sincerest sympathy to you and your family.
Fondly
Alma and Ed Lakin
````
Joanne Baxewanis
March 16, 2008
To the Dimitriou Family,
I am very sad to hear of Manny’s passing. My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time. Although no words can really help to ease your sorrow, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. He was a cherished friend to our entire family and he will be dearly missed. May the Lord bless you and comfort you through your grief. In the love that surrounds you today, may you find the strength to face the days ahead. May God rest his soul and may his memory be eternal.
With deepest sympathy,
JOSEPH AND LINDA LOWE
March 16, 2008
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Ken Sands Jr
March 16, 2008
Berks County Bar will never be the same. Manny's word was his bond and he never went back on it. My sincere condolences to the family.
Rayna washington-ockimey
March 16, 2008
To The Dimitriou Family,may God keep you strong and safe through your time of sorrow.Sorry for your loss,he was a strong and powerful man,we will all miss him.
Jackie and Ray Dorian
March 16, 2008
Ann and Family,
Our deepest sympathies on Manny's passing. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Steve Dougherty
March 16, 2008
What a sad and shocking loss. Manny was one of those unique fixtures in Berks County who should be around always. I am one of several generations of police officers who he taught sometimes painfully, the necessity of courtroom preparation. Many of us learned hard lessons in that regard but Manny always treated his opponents with honor and respect. He was a true gentleman who I will miss on both a professional and a personal level.
Rod & Jan (Hahn-) Rightmyer
March 16, 2008
Apochairetismos Manny. You are a true gentleman in every sense, and we will miss your friendly smile and warm friendship. Our loss is Heaven's gain. We wish you Godspeed on "Eagles" wings for your journey home. We extend our sincere sympathy to your loved ones for their loss.
Laurie M. Kiritsis
March 16, 2008
Eleni, Kurt, & Family, So sorry for your great loss, Eleni your dad was a very clever man in many ways. He was so very proud of you, & all your great achievements. When he used to come to APO, I always helped him first, amongst others, he got top quality service, he was an outstanding man. Manny will be sadly missed. Mas Silipitiria.
Lee Pace
March 16, 2008
Dearest Dimitriou Family,
Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the loss of your family's patriarch.
Mr Dimitriou was truly valiant in every expression of his being, especially against his most formidable opponent, cancer. Our family will be forever remember and cherish the expression of love and friendship he bestowed upon our family during our time of recent loss. My heart truly goes out to each of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of tremendous loss.
God Bless,
Lee Pace
Santa Monica, California
Claudia McDermott
March 16, 2008
How sad I feel for this great loss for his family and friends. I was lucky to meet this fascinating man when he came for his tea and paper everyday, and then again when his gang came into the diner every Sat. morn. What a true gentleman he was and always took time to chat with me about the Eagles or his secrets to staying fit and happy. He was always so charming and dignified and had so much integrity. I can only imagine the tremendous loss for those close to him and wish them the joy of his memories they were so honored to have shared with him.
GLORIA PRENTICE-HARRIS
March 16, 2008
Family God Bless you in love and peace. Although I never had the pleasure or the need for Mr. "D"'s services, I am sure many have and he will be truly missed for his part in taking care of his family, the community, and clients, God rest his Soul. gjph
Alicia Stewart
March 16, 2008
Dear Elani and the entire Dimitriou family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of great loss. I lost my mother in November to Cancer so I understand your loss and grief. God Bless you
Alicia Seltzer-Stewart-Holy Name HS 1988
Angel Cabrera
March 16, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rose Palermo
March 16, 2008
Wow ... My prayers are out to this wonderful man an his family. No one will ever fill that void.
Lynn Erickson
March 16, 2008
Manny
I was stunned and am deeply saddened. You gave the devil a run for his money here and I have no doubt you're continuing in the heavens. Rest in peace, Honorable Sir.
[Deacon] Jerry End
March 16, 2008
To the Dimitriou family . . .
Please receive my profound condolences on the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. We all share your loss because Manny was the consummate attrney, citizen and friend. Always courteous to this former journalist. It was always a pleasure to meet him.
May he rest in peace and may you be consoled that he is now with his Eternal Father.
Jimmy Biondo
March 16, 2008
Ann you are in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.as the sadness passes I hope that you will remember with the happy times you shared as a family. Jimmy Biondo
Ron D'Agostino
March 16, 2008
Ron D'Agostino
Being his barber for many years you
grow to know what a generous and
fine gentelman he was.
J. F.
March 16, 2008
A great loss of a GREAT MAN.
Thank You Manny!
Ron and Linda Tomlinson
March 16, 2008
Eleni and Kurt
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We will remember your father in our prayers. God bless
Susan Brown
March 16, 2008
To the Dimitriou Family,
I send my most sincere sympathy to you and may God help you during this difficult time.
Susan (Verbinski) Brown
Daughter of Dr. Ted and Joanne Verbinski
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