Emmanuel S. Tsitsilianos

With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, we come together to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Emmanuel S. Tsitsilianos, affectionately known as Manos. On the 14th of November 2023, Manos passed away peacefully in Boston, Massachusetts surrounded by his loving family.

Manos was born to Spyridon and Vasiliki (Kapetanaki) Tsitsilianos in Athens Greece where he lived until his passion for education and the American dream brought him to the United States to study at the University of Georgia. With determination, tenacity, an explosive energy for success, and a calling to lead his family, he dedicated his career to the noble profession of architectural restoration, establishing International Restoration Inc., where he and his brothers showcased their exceptional craftsmanship in gold leaf application to protect and revive historical structures throughout the world.

Headquartered initially in Atlanta, Georgia, they gilded the State Capitol domes of Georgia, West Virginia, and New Hampshire, and pursued restoration projects in countless historic places such as New England, India, Pakistan, and Germany. Through skilled hands and discerning eyes, he breathed new life into the architectural marvels of the past, preserving their beauty for generations to come.

It was not until he met his future wife, Anna, however, that he considered relocating the company's headquarters to Massachusetts. While she was on a teaching sabbatical in Atlanta, Georgia, he would recount often that he saw an angel walk into his life and how love at first sight steeled his courage to win her heart. With a combination of daily deliveries of a dozen roses and a year of weekly, tireless drives from Atlanta, Georgia to Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, he proposed at Anna's best friend's home in Irvington, New York and enjoyed a November wedding, culminating in 40 years of marriage.

Manos later derived great pride from the blessed births of his two sons. He acted as youth soccer coach and was a season ticket holder to every basketball game, camcorder on his shoulder, shouting encouraging words at the top of his lungs. He was a driving force of support, which allowed his "eagles" to fly in their pursuits of medical careers. Showcasing his unwavering devotion to his family, he attended a total of 10 graduations between the two of them along their educational journeys and would be found exclaiming his pride at each one.

Manos also embraced his relationship with his in-laws, especially his parents-in-law, "the Chief" (Paul Kiritsy) and "Metera" (Mary Kiritsy), who welcomed Manos into their family as one of their own. He extended his wisdom to his many nieces and nephews at family reunions, accompanied by extravagant stories, perfect pancakes, and delicious pizza.

Emmanuel is survived by his wife of 40 years, Anna Kiritsy-Tsitsilianos, and two sons Drs. Andrew and Nicholas Tsitsilianos, both of Boston, his four brothers, George and his wife Eli, of Atlanta, John and his wife Kiki of Atlanta, Fr. Theodore and his wife Kathy of Waco, TX and Nickolas of Florida. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Mary E. Kiritsy of Shrewsbury, as well as his three brothers-in-law, Charles and his wife Christine of Paxton, William and his wife, Sylvia of Holden and Christopher and his wife, Molly of Newton, and many nieces and nephews.

On behalf of Manos, we would like to thank the caring and compassionate medical professionals at St. Vincent Hospital, Grove Medical Associates, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Monday, the 20th of November, at 9:30am at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, where family, friends, and all who were touched by Manos's remarkable presence will gather to pay their respects and bid him a fond farewell. Following the visitation, a solemn funeral service will be conducted at 11:00am at the Cathedral, honoring Manos's cherished life and legacy. Manos will be laid to rest in the sacred grounds of Hope Cemetery, where he shall find eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester MA.

The Miles Funeral Home, situated in Holden, MA, has been entrusted with the sacred responsibility of assisting the family during this time of mourning and remembrance. Their compassionate guidance and unwavering support shall provide solace to all who seek comfort.