Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Phil Semandiris Obituary
May 24, 1939 ~ July 19, 2019
Phil was born to George and Antigoni Semandiris in the small Greek village of Sopiki, Northern Epirus, Albania. Phil spoke of his time in Sopiki with vivid, picture filled memories. After three years spent in concentration camps and in the face of oppression, Phil and his family were forced to escape to Greece when he was 12 years old. During their secret escape, Phil carried his grandmother Ekaterini over the mountains to get them safely to freedom. Phil arrived in America in 1953 reuniting with his family in Seattle.
Phil attended Franklin High School in Seattle, graduating in 1957. Phil played football and received the nickname "the Greek." This nickname followed him all of his life. He maintained many relationships over the years and attended reunions with his wife Carol.
After High School, Phil enlisted in the Marines. During his service, he made many lifelong friends. He was proud of his time as a Marine and honored to serve his country.
At the age of 21 Phil began working in his family's business Mike's Chili Parlor. His 50 years of hard work and larger-than-life-personality lead to Mike's Chili Parlor receiving media coverage locally and nationally. He ensured the successful continuation of the family business into its 5th generation. Phil also owned and operated the Beachcomber Tavern for over a decade. His customers were part of the family, and he made an impact on everyone he met.
Phil met the love of his life Carol Radtke in 1959. They were married in 1962 at St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle, where they attended throughout their marriage. They lived in Seattle, WA and raised their three children with love and honor. In their later years they split their time between their home in Seattle and their Casa in Mazatln, Mexico.
Phil is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol, his children Katherine, Michael (wife Eleni), and Penelope, his grandchildren Stephanie, Anthony, Christiana, James, Sophia, and Anastasia, all of whom reside in the Seattle area.
In addition, Phil is survived by a multitude of relatives and friends, whom he loved as family.
Thursday, July 25th, 2019
VIEWING 5:00pm
TRISAGION SERVICE 7:00pm
Columbia Funeral Home
Friday, July 26th, 2019
FUNERAL SERVICE 12:00 pm
Saint Demetrios Greek
Orthodox Church
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phil Semandiris
Sponsored by The Family.
3 Entries
Laurie Molton
February 23, 2020
My mom, Judy and I send our sympathies to the family. We have so many memories of Phil and the family. He was a kind and very loving man. He will be missed by many!
Bonnie Antovich-Skjonsberg
July 25, 2019
So very sad to hear of Phil's passing. I remember our days at Franklin High School and the events through the years that we would be at. He was such a great guy with a great smile and big hugs. The loss of a loved one is devastating and leaves an "empty spot" in our souls. May the wonderful memories sustain you through the difficult days ahead. Know these memories will be etched in your hearts forever. May God bless each of you and may His Light forever shine upon you and grant you peace.
Love, Bonnie Antovich Skjonsberg
July 24, 2019
We, have the fondest of memories of Phil. Going back to our Franklin days. Over the years, many gatherings and events. Chance meetings, where he was always quick to give a smile and a hug. His passion for friends and family. We are so glad that we had a chance to visit with him recently at a luncheon at Vince's restaurant where there was 22 of us to celebrate his 80th Birthday. We were so sorry for his discomfort towards his last days. We are sorry for his passing and will miss him. Rest well, dear friend...our thoughts and prayers, go now to Carol and family.....
Love, Rob and Judy Simson
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Phil Semandiris's name
Memorial Events
for Phil Semandiris
Jul
25
Viewing
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory - Seattle4567 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
Funeral services provided by:
Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory - Seattle4567 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
How to support Phil's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Phil Semandiris's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
