Michael C. Pontikes' Obituary
Michael Christos Pontikes, 81, died at his home in Allen, TX on August 1, 2010 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born February 1, 1929 in Chicago, IL to Maria and Christos Michael Pontikes. He served in the US Navy, followed by a 32-year career at Wilson Foods, starting in sales and working his way to VP of Customer Service. After retiring as a partner of Normac Foods in 1994, he and his sons founded Scotty P’s Hamburgers. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Bettina (Betsy) nee Carroll; his three sons, Christos Michael, wife Laura, Thomas, wife Angela, and Scott, wife Julie; six treasured grandsons, Thomas, Matthew, Michael Christos, Nicholas, Christopher, and Zachary and one precious granddaughter Lauren Elizabeth; sister Alexandra Poulos; sisters and brothers-in-law Sam Geroulis, Meredyth and Lou Deardorff, and Elaine and Howard Spector; goddaughter Kristin Stamatis Brawley; 14 nieces and nephews, 28 great nieces and nephews, and 3 great great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his beloved daughter Mary Elizabeth, his parents, sisters Constantina and Stavroula, and 2 nephews. A devout conservative, he will be forever remembered for an unparalleled work ethic, his priceless “sayings”, culinary expertise, love of his Orthodox Christian faith, music and sports. He was also known for his fierce loyalty of family, friends, and country. Visitation will begin at 4 PM with a Trisagion Service at 7:30 PM, Wednesday, August 4, at Restland Funeral Home in the Abbey Chapel. Funeral services will be at 1 PM Thursday, August 5, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas, and his final resting place will be by his daughter at Restland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Autism Speaks, 5455 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90036. May his memory be eternal. .
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