Obituary of Michael C. Yiannoulatos

Michael C. Yiannoulatos passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. He was a devoted husband and loved his family very dearly. He is survived by his wife, two children, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. He was born January 22, 1933 in Paphos, Cyprus, where he graduated from the A'Lyceum. Filled with dreams and determination, he emigrated to the States in 1951. He was drafted into the Army in 1953 during the Korean War where he toured in France and Germany for more than 2 ½ years and an additional 5 ½ years in the Army Reserve, receiving both the Good Conduct and National Defense Service Medals. Utilizing the GI Bill, he graduated from Newark College of Engineering. He later supplemented his studies with a second degree at the City University of New York. After working at the Westinghouse Electric Company for two years he returned to Cyprus and Greece where he met his, beloved companion in life, Niki. Upon returning to the States he began work at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as their Electrical Supervisor of Communications, with his headquarters both at Newark and the World Trade Center. During his 30 years of distinguished service, he narrowly escaped death on two separate occasions, the first was a direct hit by a train and the second during the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Upon moving to Staten Island in 1967, he immediately embraced the Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, where he selflessly offered his services in many capacities, and especially during the early Greek Festivals. Michael was a hardworking man of strong character. The drive and determination that began during his journey from his beloved Cyprus, never waivered and it followed him thru his whole life. His demeanor, his smile, his laugh, touched all who knew him. His family was his pride and joy, and he will truly be missed and never ever be forgotten. Visitation at the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Sunday, March 19th, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Hold Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, on Monday, March 20th, at 10:00 am, and the burial service immediately thereafter at Moravian Cemetery.