Mike

Emmanuel “Mike” Antoniou, 59, was born September 14, 1966, in Samos Greece, to the late Thomais and John Emmanuel Antoniou. He died peacefully in his sleep on August 3 while visiting Greece.

Mike enjoyed tennis, Jack Daniel’s, cheering on the Cowboys, and calling people “malaka” with impressive consistency and questionable appropriateness. He had a natural gruffness that lovingly earned him the Care Bear nickname “Grumpy” from his children. Those who knew him well understood that beneath the grumbles was a man with a big heart and an even bigger personality.

He was fiercely proud of his Greek heritage and would often spontaneously break into a Greek song, much to the amusement of his family and the absolute delight of the family dog, Charlie, who would enthusiastically join him in singing. Whether Charlie was actually singing or howling in protest remains a matter of family debate.

Mike is survived by his wife, Dana (Goble) Antoniou, and their children, Maia, Georgianna, Gianni, and Dominick (Hinson).

The immediate family held a private ceremony in Athens, Greece. A memorial service for friends and family will be held September 13 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in High Point.

In lieu of flowers, Mike requests that you all become Cowboys football fans. However, if you insist on remaining loyal to a subpar team, please donate to St. George Greek Orthodox Church instead. He would probably have something to say about your choice either way.

May his memory be eternal.