Obituary of Michael Gargas

Mr. Michael “Mike” Gargas, 93, of Danvers, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2019 at his residence. He was the beloved husband of Cynthia (Maniatakos) Gargas, with whom he shared over 70 years of marriage. Michael was born in Peabody, on Christmas Day 1925, son of the late Peter and Catherine (Hatzigeorge) Gargas. He was the sixth of ten children. Raised and educated in Peabody, graduating from Peabody High School in 1943, soon after he joined the United States Navy, serving on the U.S.S. LST 840 during WW II. Mike also served on the submarine, U.S.S. Grenadier, during the Korean War. Mike enjoyed a distinguished 46-year career with the General Electric Company in Lynn. Starting there before his military service, he worked his way up from an inventory clerk to a production control manager. Never afraid of hard work, Mike quickly ventured into his own business to support his growing family. He and his family owned and operated Michael’s Variety in Peabody, for over 20 years. Also, in 1968 he and his brothers purchased McManus Liquors in Peabody, which they successfully operated for many years. Mike was very proud on his Greek heritage and was a dedicated member of St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church in Peabody as well as Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Ipswich. He was a member of the St. Val’s Men’s Club, and was a past President of The Pansamian Society. He was a Freemason of Jordan Lodge and was a member of the Aleppo Shrine of Wilmington. After his retirement from G.E., he and his wife, Cynthia, moved to Danvers, where he loved his new pool, tended to his vegetable garden, and putted around his yard. He played a little golf and was an avid Boston Sports fan. He was a loyal, hard working man that loved his family and friends dearly, and will be missed by all. Besides his loving wife of over 70 years, he is survived by his sons, Peter A. Gargas of Atkinson, NH, Attorney Michael D. Gargas and his wife Mary Lou of Peabody; a grandson, Daniel R. Gargas of Peabody; his siblings, Stephen Gargas and his wife Anita of Acton, Aspacia Cassidy of Peabody; his sisters-in-law, Maureen Gargas of Peabody, and Patricia Gargas of Peabody; his godchildren, Daniel Maniatakos of Lowell, Carolyn May Latti Milmoe of Boxford, and David Anderson of Topsfield, his many devoted nieces and nephews, former employees, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Anthony, John, Charles, Angelo, James, Marian Theodosian, and Stavicha Scangas. A Visitation will be held on Monday, July 15, from 4-8P.M. at the Conway, Cahill- Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 16, at 11 A.M at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 5 Paleologos St., Peabody. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to either St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 5 Paleologos St., Peabody, MA 01960 or Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 8 Lafayette Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938.