Michael C. Metaxas

Michael C. Metaxas, 93, died at a local hospital after a brief illness. He has been a resident of Cleveland for the past 42 years. He was born on August 10, 1916 on the British island of Cyprus. He worked as a printer in the Cyprus Government printing office for 30 years prior to coming to America in 1967 as an immigrant. Skilled in the latest printing technology, he worked in Chicago for the Transo Envelope Company for more than a year prior to settling in Cleveland to work as a printer for the Church of God Publishing house. He and his family were once again reunited when they arrived from Cyprus to Cleveland, after three years apart.

After retiring in 1983, Michael enrolled as a student at Lee University at the age of 68. He successfully completed theological studies and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990, being the most senior of students (age 73).

Michael was well known in the community, especially among church circles. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Irene, of 64 years; his parents Constantine and Euphrosyne; three brothers, Soteris, George, and Andreas; son, Nikiphoros Metaxas; and son-in-law, Don Snow.

Survivors include a brother-in-law, Antonios Pavlides of Queensland, Australia; children include John Metaxas and wife Elaine; Georgia Snow; Esther Metaxas; Chris Metaxas and wife Teresa; Dinos Metaxas; Tassos Metaxas and wife June. Grandchildren include Jennifer Conway and husband Dave, Rachel Metaxas, Stephanie Snow, Shelley Snow, Ana Metaxas, Michael Metaxas, Paul Metaxas, Stephen Metaxas, and Alexander Metaxas. Great-grandchildren include Davey Conway, Levi Conway, Seth Conway, Sarah Conway, a baby on the way, and Kaleigh Snow.

Among his hobbies he especially enjoyed painting signs in calligraphy (a trade he inherited from his father in Cyprus) as well as visiting his garden. He loved the Word of God and especially New Testament Greek. He was one of the early pioneers of the Church of God in Cyprus as he worked faithfully alongside pioneer missionary, M. K. Kounnas, who later became his brother-in-law. In Cleveland, he and his family attended Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy. Later on he and his wife attended the Union Grove Church of God of Prophecy, where he served as a faithful member and taught Sunday School"one of his great joys for more than 60 years.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 pm on Monday, January 25, 2010 at the Grissom Funeral Home.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010, in the chapel of Grissom Funeral Home with Pastor Gene Dasher officiating.

The interment will follow at the Sunset Memorial Gardens with John, Chris, Dinos, Tassos, Michael, and Stephen Metaxas serving as pallbearers.

Arrangements by Grissom Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net