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Harvard University

Michael Demetrios Obituary

Michael Burton Demetrios

Mike passed peacefully on August 5th with his wife, Eleanor, by his side in Orlando, Florida. Mike is the younger son of Virginia Lee Burton Demetrios (children's book author/artist) and George Demetrios (sculptor/artist). Mike was born and raised in Gloucester (Folly Cove), Massachusetts, with his older brother, Aristides Demetrios. He attended Harvard University (class of '57) and Harvard Business School.

Mike went on to a rich and rewarding career in the entertainment industry, including time with the Ice Follies, Ontario Motor Speedway, and Sea World before taking the helm at Marine World Africa USA in Redwood City (now Vallejo) where he helped foster a family-friendly atmosphere. He shepherded Marine World and its tight-knit family of animals and employees through 20 lively years, including the park's relocation to Vallejo.

Mike was a generous man with a huge heart, infectious laugh, and goofy smile - he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife (Eleanor Demetrios), brother (Aristides Demetrios), son (Michael Burton Demetrios II), daughter (Virginia Demetrios), two grandchildren (Abby and Owen Jones), cousins and other dear family members.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 13 to Aug. 14, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Demetrios

9 Entries

Linda Peterson

August 3, 2021

I worked for the construction company that build the new Marine World in Vallejo. So many great memories of him and his vision. I will always cherish that time and experience. My deep sympathy to the family.

Patricia Bowden (James)

September 12, 2019

Mr. Demetrios was a bigger then life man and a wonderful boss. The short time I was fortunate enough to work for him at the Vallejo location was one of the best times of my life. He always had a smile and hello no matter how busy he was.

Louise Grace Lewis

January 9, 2017

So saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I knew him in childhood as neighbors in Folly Cove. As a younger girl often ignored as being invisible by the other neighborhood boys, Mike was always friendly to me. His likeability started at an early age.

Mike Milligan

January 8, 2017

Mike was a great guy. Always had time to talk to me about his mother, books, and my band... Sail on Mike!

Peter G. Keller

January 7, 2017

In memory of Mike and of his mother, Virginia Lee Burton.

Laurie Gage

August 14, 2016

Mike was a wonderful boss who created an environment of love and caring for all of the animals and for all of the employees who worked at MWAUSA. He was a great leader with a big heart who I will always remember fondly.

Terry Curtola

August 13, 2016

Mike Demetrios was a great man. He put the City of Vallejo on the map. He gave thousands of people, both young and old a chance to work at the most beautiful park in the world. He has left many, many people better for what he has done with his life. He was " the Little Engine that could"....Rest in peace my friend.

Terry Curtola

Greg Orrante

August 13, 2016

So sorry to hear about Mike's passing.

Mike was the greatest boss! He was kind, gentle and the most supportive person I've worked for. He had an open door policy and if he wasn't in the office, you could find him in the park surveying the guests and visiting the employees.

Thanks Mike for all the incredible opportunities you gave us and the freedom to do it.

Tom Convery

August 13, 2016

Mike,
Thank you for your leadership, friendship, kindness, understanding, and for proving that nice guys can finish first. You made thousands of lives better during your short time on this planet. A pretty good legacy. You are missed.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Michael's loved ones

Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

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