Michael Zervos Jr.

February 26, 1963 - November 24, 2021

The world lost an incredible father, brother, cousin, friend, entertainer, wine maker, cook and educator as Michael Zervos Jr. fell asleep in the Lord on November 24, 2021, to Covid related illnesses.

Mike was born on February 26, 1963, to Michael Zervos Sr. and Stephania Adondakis Zervos. Growing up in West Jordan, Utah, Mike had many interests including football and baseball. He graduated from Bingham High School in 1981 where he was the Student Body President. He then attended the University of Utah where, in 1986 he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. Recruited by Equifax, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and worked as a system analyst. Mike then completed his MBA from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. In 1997, Mike joined Choicepoint where he worked as a business solutions consultant.

Mike met the love of his life Demetra Paraschos and in 1999 they were married. They gave birth to their 2 sons, Nektarios and George. Tragically and unexpectantly, in 2009 Demetra fell asleep in the Lord.

Mike and his sons (the ZBoys) moved to Salt Lake. In 2011, he began teaching high school at the Granite Technical Institute. Mike’s students were the first from Utah to qualify for the National Programmer’s Championship. This became commonplace during Mike’s tenure and many of his students were decorated with awards including the national championship. Mike’s students loved him and he loved teaching them about computers and life. 

Mike’s boys were the shining lights in his life of which he was endlessly proud. He was extremely devoted to his Orthodox Faith. Mike will be remembered as one of the great spices in life. He had a larger-than-life personality, helped anyone who entered his universe, and had a heart of gold. Mike will be sorely missed by anyone who had the pleasure of crossing his path. Eternal be your memory Mike.

Mike is survived by his: sons Nektarios and George Zervos; sisters Chryssi (Jim) Kocolas, Georgia (Steve) Katsanevas, Stella (George) Brokalakis, Presvytera Ranae (Fr. Joseph) Strzelecki, and Mary (Peter) Yannias; brother Stelio Zervos; brothers-in-law Harry (Xanthoula) and Theofilos Paraschos; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by: his wife Demetra Zervos, his parents Michael and Stephania Zervos, and his wife’s parents George and Paraskevi Paraschos.

The viewing and funeral will take place at Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church (located at 355 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah). The viewing will be Monday, November 29 at 5:00 – 8:00 PM with a Trisagion service at 7:00 PM. The funeral will take place on Tuesday, November 30 at 11:00 AM with the church opening at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow directly. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the trust fund of Nektarios and George at: ZBoys Trust c/o Kouris, 1804 East Carriage Park, SLC, UT 84121.

In Loving Memory

Michael was a very close family friend. Nektarios and george were my best friends and michael acted as a father figure for me as he was always taking care of me when i was with nektarios. He will be missed and i love him and am always here for the boys. May he rest in peace. 

Nicky Kian

Salt Lake City, UT

Michael was a huge presence in our parish. Seeing him walk in with his two boys always brought comfort to me. He truly will be missed although I know he is in a greater place. One instance I will remember always is the wisdom and kind words he related to me when I was in a difficult  period in my life working down south. He enlivened my spirit and helped me push through. Memory eternal Michael.

David Monstrola

Salt Lake City, UT

The world truly has lost a great soul. Mike was a wonderful man and always treated K and myself like gold. We have so many great memories of him. May your memory be eternal Mihali, we will miss you so.

Jim and K Varanakis

Sandy, Ut

Καλό σου ταξίδι, αγαπητέ εξαδελφε Μιχάλη.                   Θα σε θυμόμαστε πάντα. Vasos Georgia. 

Vasos Agorastos

Chania, Gr

Flights of angels sing thee to thy sleep, Mike, and may they comfort the rest of us, and be an every day comfort to the two boys to whom you dedicated your life.    What a great example of single-minded dedication to Nektarios and George, of sacrifice not only in providing a living but  also in giving as much time as was humanly possible.   You lived every day for them,  I believe you'll not be kept from being a thought and a whisper away.   Love and pride, a sense of humor, teasing, and good food will remain in every memory of you.  Your leaving has diminished me, and left me wanting to provide the cheerful welcome to others that you gave to our family.  We love you.  Who couldn't...  Nektarios and George, you are bright stars.  You've learned to work hard with dedication and pride, to achieve, to care about others. You've had a good example of service that will lift your lives and give you direction. There is in this a weighty compensation coming your way, as God only can provide, I pray, with love, 

Stephanie Griffin

St. George, Ut

There was no one kinder than Mike Zervos; every conversation I had with him brought a huge smile to my face. I will never forget his boisterous cheers at my volleyball games, the exorbitant amount of treats he would buy for us at the Utah football games, or his random desire to delve into cheese making. Mike not only gave endless support and unconditional love to his friends and family, but to everyone he came across. Everybody loved Mike. He was the king of hospitality, and it was a rare occasion you could walk away from his house without at least 2 extra entrées for the road. He had unparalleled love and devotion to his two amazing sons; the sunshine he emitted radiates from his boys just the same. I am unbelievably lucky to have grown up next door to such a light-filled and loving person, I am going to miss him so incredibly much.

Zoe Kouris

Salt Lake City, UT

My condolences to the family. 

Alicia Kounalis

Denver, CO

May his memory be eternal. Prayers for all from Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, & Irene parish. 

Fr. Barnabas Powell

Cumming, GA

Mike will be missed. He was an amazing co-worker, teacher and friend to everyone. My deepest condolences to his boys and his family. 

Amy Monson

Bountiful, UT

My dearest friend from the past. I have admired your strong willingness to help others and make others feel like family. I always will keep you in my heart for just being there and being a friend in school. I know you will be looking down for the first time in your life watching the ones who loved you and us looking up as we add you to our prayers, my sincere condolences my friend. ❤️ 

Krystal Etsitty

Salt lake city, Ut

The Lord and all His Angels just had another very special soul join them!  My heartfelt condolences and sympathies go out to Mike's family and especially his sons. Mike and I have been friends since we were old enough to play little league football and baseball together.  I miss his fun, gregarious, and unbelievable Love and Zest for life.  Love you Mikey Z and we will all miss you but know you are in a Great Place with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Troy Fillmer

Cedar Hills, UT

Mike was a master of love and kindness. Condolences to his family. He will be missed deeply. Soar with the angels Mike.

Tawna O’Reilly

West Valley City, Ut

Dear Mary, Peter, Nectarios , George, and all extended family! It was great sadness to learn Mike's passing. May you find comfort in memory of Mike's delightful life, remembering all great things, he was granted to share with all of us! His smile, love, jokes, and kindness! He will be greatly missed. May his memory be eternal+ Our prayers and hearts are with you at this difficult and tragec time.  

Leo and Ludmila Davis

Sandy, UT

Dear Zervos Family, The village of West Jordan will never be the same...Michael was a gently and caring person.  The last time we saw him, we were emptying the family home after our mother passed away.  Michael didn’t have our phone number, but had heard (via tele-Greek) that we were in town.  He walked down to our family home to invite us to dinner at his home.  Unfortunately, we had an early flight the next day and weren’t able to attend his kind invitation.  Michael’s thoughtfulness gave us strength.  He was a beautiful person. I also remember when Michael was born.  I walked to the Zervos home to visit with my childhood friends and meet the new arrival.  Michael was fussing, like newborns do, and the Zervos girls were fighting over who would pick him up to comfort him…to be loved like that.  I can't imagine your pain.  We are so sorry for your loss. Most sincerely, Larry & Anna Thimakis Gibson

Anna Thimakis Gibson

Albuquerque, NM, USA, NM

Esteemed Zervos family, we sooooo appreciated Mike's jovial and intellectual sharing of his Grace-granted gifts, and pray they will be replicated in his boys.  May his Memory be eternal. Among the Righteous, reposing.

Dean Dinas

Millcreek, UT

Mike was larger than life. He will be missed at the GTI but he will never be forgotten. There were always smiles when Mike was around and he was always there to offer help for whatever needed to be done. He was an amazing father and watching him with his boys during lunch was a bright point in my day. We will miss you big guy!!

Robert Cook

Draper, Ut

Zervos family, we love you all and pray for you.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the boys and the entire family at this time.  My son loved playing baseball with Nektarios.  Our heart is full of love for your family at this time.   Love, The Atherley's. 

Teresa Atherley

West Jordan, UT

Zervos Family, So grateful I had the chance to work with Mike at the GTI!  His love for you two wonderful boys was a part of most our conversations.His happiness and joy in your successes and his concern and worry at your challenges were always evident. The lights of his life! His passion for teaching programming and the ability to work on a programming project as a team was a huge priority! His TSA competition groups were well prepared and competitive at the National level. He ran a vibrant programming and web development department.Helping students master skills that will help them throughout their lives. So glad to have had the chance to know Mike. His generous gregarious influence will be greatly missed. My thoughts and my heart is with the Zervos family at this tender time. Julie Bagley   

Julie Bagley

Salt Lake, Ut

Mike was a pillar of spiritual strength when he was with us in Atlanta and his mark on our community will always be felt.  May his memory be eternal. 

Anthony Birozes

Cumming, Ga

My sincere condolences to the entire Zervos families. Mike will be remembered with fondness for his welcoming smile and big heart, always. May you all be comforted by the memories of him you hold most dear. My blessings to all of you. 

Audrey Makris

Livermore, CA

I worked with Mike at the GTI. I thoroughly enjoyed his larger than life personality and caring spirit for all those around him. When I was diagnosed with MS a few years ago, Mike went out of his way to check in with me, share uplifting advice, and testify that he knows that the Lord is always aware and in control. He had such a positive outlook that was contagious and much needed in a time of fear. Boys, Your Dad was a great man that was so proud of you in all that you did. May the advice he gave to me, give you peace in your time of sorrow. Prayers to you all. Erin Paulsen

Erin Paulsen

West Jordan, UT

What an honor to be able to work with and learn from Mike! Such a wonderful educator and kind person. So sweet to think of his reunion with his wife and the legacy the ZBoys carry in both their names!  Wishing peace and comfort to all of the family!  

Laura Timpson

Salt Lake City, UT

I had two programming classes with Mr Zervos, which I have many fond memories of.  I was a goofball who exasperated him many times back then, but he was also goofy and very kind.  I'll never forget his last assignment of my first semester with him, where he asked everyone to "build the tallest tower" using tape and paper, as a lesson in being innovative.  One taped a cylinder to the ceiling, another taped together a very long strip and held it above his head.  I balanced a protrusion on my monitor and declared "It works on my machine!", and Mr Zervos told the rest of the class to laugh for me.  It's a shame he had to go, but I'll never forget him.  I hope I can be a little more like him some day.

Russell Voss

nan, WV

Mike was my colleague and my friend. He will truly be missed. My condolences to the whole family. Best wishes and prayers,  

PAUL MCCARL

Magna, UT

I'm so sorry for your loss he was a great friend to all people that knew him he was so funny and fun to be around I saw him at his son's basketball games and always showed love for them he will missed alot 

Ralph shields

South jordan, Ut

Dearest George, Nectarios, and entire Zervos family, we are so very sorry about the passing of Mike. He was a joyous man who never failed to evoke a smile, laugh, or good feeling. I pray God give you all strength to endure life without his physical presence, and I know, he will always be very near! Our love and prayers to you all - everlasting be his memory.

Carrie Pappas

Murray, Ut

Memory eternal for a great sunday school teacher who became a friend.  Mihali was very generous with us in young adulthood.  He cooked a lamb for the Georgia Tech OCF and hosted me on a visit to Salt Lake City.  

Nick Grivas

Atlanta, GA

Send Your Condolences