Michael Nick Vamianakis

Michael Nick Vamianakis passed away peacefully on October 20, 2021, with his son by his side. He was 89 years old. 

Michael was born on December 12, 1931, in Kambous, Chania, Crete, Greece, to Nikolaos and Agapi Vamianakis; he was the oldest of six children. Michael grew up in Crete where he proudly served in the Greek army for one year.  In July 1956, Michael immigrated to the United States with his parents and brothers. Michael attended school in Salt Lake City to learn English where he met the love of his life, Rosemarie.  Michael and Rosemarie were married in 1962 and together they raised their son Michael Jr. Michael and his beloved Rosemarie were together until Rosemarie’s passing in 2002.  Michael later married Violeta Goranova in 2011. 

Michael worked as a large truck driver for Kennecott Copper Mines for 28 years.  He was a devout member of the Greek Orthodox Church. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, getting together with family and friends and he loved traveling to visit his sister and extended family in Crete.  

Michael is survived by his son Michael Jr. (Bonnie Anna Vamianakis); his wife Violeta; his sister Artemis in Greece and family Rula (Manolis), Agapi (Nikiforos), Anna (Nikos), Maria (Kosta); his brother Kosta (Maria) and family Katina, Niko (Lane), Artemis (Jamie); his sister-in-law Angela and family Johnny; his brother Jim; and several great nieces and nephews, koumbari and godchildren in the United States and Greece. 

Michael is preceded in death by his parents Nikolaos and Agapi, his wife Rosemarie, his brothers Charles and John and his brother-in-law Theodore Mavrakis. 

Special thank you to the many friends and family members who brought food and visited Michael for their love and support, and to the amazing doctors, nurses and staff at the Life Care Center of Salt Lake City for their remarkable care. 

Michael will be missed dearly by all who knew him.  Kalo taxidi, Mihali.  We love you.

A Viewing and Trisagion service will be on Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek, Utah 84106.  Funeral services will be on Monday, October 25, 2021 beginning at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, followed by interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84102.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish may consider making a donation to the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake.