Former Judge, Michael Nicholas Kavouklis, 85, of Tampa, FL, passed on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. He was born and raised in Tarpon Springs, Florida, the youngest of 6 children of Greek immigrant parents. He attended Tarpon Springs Junior High and High School and worked many odd jobs in and around the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. He met his wife, Irene Vrakas Kavouklis, at the age of 17 and the two were eventually married for 63 glorious years where they enjoyed raising their 3 children, Dr. Nicholas M. Kavouklis, Anastasia M. Garcia and Chris M. Kavouklis. Michael graduated from Florida State University in 1958 and received a Juris Doctor Degree in 1962 from Stetson University College of Law. From there, he embarked on a long career of public service and private practice. During his time serving as a Hillsborough County Judge, he was elected by his peers as the first full-term President of the Florida Conference of County Court Judges in 1974-1975 and earned the name “Iron Mike” for his no-nonsense approach to the law and proceedings. Among other publicly held offices, he served as the Hillsborough County Attorney, an Assistant Attorney General, Legal Advisor and Attorney to members of the State Cabinet, an Assistant State Attorney in both Hillsborough and Pinellas County and clerked for the Chief Judge of the Florida Supreme Court. After retiring from public service, he remained in private practice with his son, Chris, for many years.
Michael was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, serving at times as the church President and was an active member of AHEPA, the Shriners and other civic organizations.
Michael remained a devoted husband, father and grandfather (Papou) to his grandchildren that he shared with his late wife, Irene, insisting that all grandchildren understood the value of America, democracy and their Greek heritage. Michael will forever be remembered as a role model for faith and family, leaving an immeasurable footprint in so many hearts. His strength and grace in the face of adversity and steadfast devotion to his faith and family will forever be an inspiration to all who loved and cherished him.
He is survived by his son, Dr. Nicholas M. and wife Edith Kavouklis; son, Chris M. and Debbie Kavouklis; and grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, Mark Alan, Andrew, Irene, John, Chase, Maggie, Alexander, Katherine, Elizabeth, and James; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Irene, daughter, Anastasia and grandson, Nicholas. The family will host a visitation Sunday, January 17, 2021, from 4:30-6:30 pm with a Trisagion Service at 6:00 pm at Blount & Curry, 605 S. MacDill Ave. The funeral service will begin at 11:45 am Monday, January 18, 2021, at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, interment to follow at Cycadia Cemetery in Tarpon Springs. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 2418 W. Swann Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609. Arrangements handled by: Blount & Curry, 813-876-2421
