Obituary of Eleftherios Jordanopoulos

It is with great sadness that the family of Eleftherios “Mike” Jordanopoulos announces his passing on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the age of 88.

Mike will be lovingly remembered by his children, Paul (daughter-in-law Anastasia), Olga Giannakopoulos (son-in-law Peter), and Katherine Fassman (son-in-law Ken). He will also be fondly remembered by his six grandchildren, Carnation, Anastasia, Joanna, Eleftheria, Michael Eleftherios, and Christos John, who adored their pappou. He was predeceased by his wife, Garifalia Litsa Tsolakides Jordanopoulos, who passed in 2021. He is also predeceased by his parents, Paul and Olga Jordanopoulos. He is survived by his brothers, Nick, Abraham and Napoleon Jordanopoulos; and his sisters, Lefkothea Xanthopoulos and Fotini Bakkalapulo.

Born on September 5, 1935, in Drama, Greece, Mike was a self-proclaimed student at the school of hard knocks. At only 16 years old, he embarked on a ship to America with his three older siblings Nick, Lefkothea, and Abraham. After landing in Hoboken, New Jersey (Ellis Island had closed), the four quickly settled in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City. With hard work, grit, and determination, they made enough money working in restaurants to bring their parents and younger siblings to the U.S.

Mike had a zest for life. He wasn’t all work and no play. He tore it up on the dancefloor and had a reputation as a fantastic ballroom and traditional Greek dancer. It was in 1965 in Greece that he met and married the love of his life, Garifalia Litsa. They truly lived the American Dream. They made the perfect team; he was the risk-taker and she was the steady one. Together, they went on to run the legendary Mike’s Pizza in downtown Fairfield, Connecticut for 26 years. Opened in 1974, it continues to honor his legacy for almost 50 years. Supporting community fundraisers and feeding the locals and college students brought Mike great joy. While waiting for their orders, he would offer customers “short one” draft beers and talk about his passions, which included sports, cars, and real estate.

Some of Mike's greatest pleasures included spending time with his wife, children, and their extended families. Family gatherings with his six grandchildren truly warmed his heart. His generous spirit, strong will, and gregarious nature will forever be remembered. May he rest in eternal peace, reunited with his beloved wife. 

A viewing will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut with the funeral service following at 12:00 p.m. Aionia i mnimi (eternal memory). Interment in St. Thomas Cemetery will be private. For friends and family who would like to watch Eleftherios Mike’s service, please visit Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church's website at www.holytrinitybridgeport.org.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike's memory to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 4070 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604.

For travel directions or to sign his online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com