Paul D. Maritsas peacefully passed away at home, October 14, 2018. Paul was born to Paul and Veneta Maritsas on November 24, 1932, in Sacramento, CA, where he spent his early years.
He majored in music at College of the Pacific and later proudly served in the US Army. He married Marlene Michael (Micky) Gygi. Later he moved to Salt Lake City where he was actively involved in the Greek Orthodox Church community.
He served as the choir director at Holy Trinity Cathedral for six years and Prophet Elias church, in Holladay, for 55 years. Prior to that he directed the choir at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Sacramento, California. His directing career lasted for 70 years. Paul and his beautiful wife, Micky, shared that time together as life partners, best friends, traveling companions, dedicated parents, and were truly kindred spirits within the family and community. Paul’s remarkable devotion to music – in service to his faith- and to his wife and family touched everyone who was fortunate enough to meet him. With enthusiastic talent, steadfast direction, and a cheerful nature, his creative gifts of playwriting and musical composition, launched many local and traveling theatrical productions which include “A New Beginning: and “What A Day”. His annual Christmas and interfaith concerts with many of his Liturgical arrangements were heard throughout the Orthodox communities far and wide.
Paul was a respected appraiser and had a long career in both real estate and civic engagement. He delighted in cooking, especially for holidays, enjoyed traveling, and loved animals especially horses. Above all, Paul’s passion was always for God, his church and family; his devotion, warmth, ongoing effort, strength, humor and unconditional love knew no bounds. He made our world go round and we will all honor his legacy of love.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Marlene Michael (Micky) Gygi Maritsas; their children, who brought him inexpressible joy; Tia and Nick Athens, Paul H. and Gia Maritsas, and Vassi Maritsas, his grandchildren of whom he was so proud, Michael and Alaina Athens, Xenia, Dimitrius, and Elliana Maritsas, Apostolos and Evie Maritsas; his sister, Eleni Nicholson, in-laws, Elaine (Bud) Hamm and Katherine (Bernie) Kraus and many loving godchildren, family and friends, nieces, nephews and extended family members and Kitty/Kitty. Preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Veneta, sisters, Marty Virgen and Matina Stathos, in-laws, Herm and Bella Gygi and granddaughter, Isabella Maritsas.
Please join us for the viewing, 6 to 8 pm, Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at Prophet Elias Church, 5335 South Highland Drive, Holladay, UT. Trisagion service at 7pm. Funeral will be on October 18, 2018 at 10 am also at Prophet Elias Church. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park with the Makaria (memorial luncheon) to follow at the church.
Our gratitude to One Care (and especially Thomas) for their skilled and helpful care.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Paul's name to Prophet Elias Church 5335 South Highland Drive, Holladay, Utah.
May his memory be eternal.
