Michael J. Orfanopoulos

1927 - 2017

Michael J. Orfanopoulos, 89, of Monroeville, formerly of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at UPMC East Hospital in Monroeville. Born Sept. 25, 1927, to John and Catherine Orfanopoulos, he lived most of his life in Penn Hills. Michael was a passionate man whose life revolved around his family. He was extremely proud of his children, Lori (Rich) Voltz, of Plum, John (Beth) Orfanopoulos, of Mt. Lebanon, Jamie Orfanopoulos, of Swissvale, and Michael D. Orfanopoulos, of Plum; as well as his grandchildren, Christian Orfanopoulos, Dimitri Orfanopoulos, Kaila Voltz, Cassie Orfanopoulos and Zachary Orfanopoulos. Michael is also survived by his wife and soulmate of 59 years, Kathryn (Fergadis), whom he adored. Michael was a devout Orthodox Christian who was heavily involved in the Greek Orthodox community. He was a lifelong member of the Presentation of Christ Greek Orthodox Church (Ypapanti), where he served as an altar boy, then in the choir for more than 70 years, including 33 years as choir director. He served on the parish council for several years and also chaired Ypapanti's 75-year reunion. Michael was a founding member and the first president of the YASOU senior group and was the driving force behind establishing Greek Day at Kennywood. Michael initiated the Pittsburgh Greek Chorale, which annually performed at the United We Sing and Heinz Hall Christmas concerts. He also received the Athenagoras Award from the Mid-Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Choirs for his work with church music. Michael received the Ypapanti Nick George Service Award and was inducted into the Ypapanti Sports Hall of Fame for bowling and basketball. He was a proud member of the Homer Lodge of the Greek American Progressive Association (GAPA), the first GAPA lodge in the nation, and was instrumental in starting the current Hercules Lodge of GAPA. Michael also was recognized in 2015 as the Ypapanti recipient of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh St. Photios Award. A World War II Army veteran, Michael was stationed in Japan and Korea. He was a member of the American Legion Post 0595 in Oakland and the Duquesne-McKeesport Lodge No. 731 F&AM for more than 50 years. Michael graduated from East Pittsburgh High School in 1946 and Duffs Business School, prior to working for U.S. Steel until his retirement in 1983.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME, 1111 Monroeville Ave. at James Street, Turtle Creek, PA 15145. A Trisagion will be held at 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 17, at the Presentation of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, 1672 Electric Ave., East Pittsburgh, PA 15112. There will be additional visitation in the church at 9:30 a.m., one hour prior to the funeral service. Michael will be laid to rest at William Penn Memorial Cemetery in Churchill.
Memorials may be made to the Presentation of Christ Greek Orthodox Church.