Michael Bernard Danielek

Michael Bernard Danielek fell asleep with the Lord on October 10, 2024. Services will be held at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria on Monday, October 21 starting with the Trisagion service at 9:30AM and funeral service at 10:00AM.

Following services, burial will take place at Sunland Memorial Park and Mortuary at 15826 Del Webb Blvd. Sun City, AZ 85351.

In lieu of flowers, Michael would have humbly preferred donations to either St. Haralambos or St. Katherine’s parishes.

Michael was born in Elgin, Illinois on January 29, 1947 and moved to Glendale, Arizona in 1957 with his parents and brothers and sisters. Mike graduated from Glendale High School in 1965 where he was a three year letterman in football and wrestling.

He graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1969 where he excelled playing football and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education.

Over a 30 year career in education, he taught woods, metals, and drafting as Department Chair of Vocational Education, then Bond Administrator at the District Office.

He also worked as a Transportation Safety Administration Agent at Phoenix Sky Harbor after retiring from the District.

Mike was a decorated athlete, teacher, and football and wrestling coach, earning Teacher of the Year for the Glendale Union High District as well as Northwest Valley Coach of the Year.

A devoted Sunday School teacher at three Valley parishes for many years, Mike has inspired so many to embrace the Orthodox Faith and he had a constant hunger for our Faith. He repeatedly thanked his wife, Chryss, for bringing him to the Orthodox Faith. Additionally, he devotedly worked to sell and purchase St. Haralambos’ church parishes.

Mike loved football coaching, watching sports, teaching Sunday School, fishing, listening to all types of music, and reading mostly about our Faith.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Chryss, daughter Kathryn, and son Jim as well as their spouses Stephen Waldo and Liz Danielek. One of Mike’s greatest joys are his grandchildren, Andrew, Ethan, Emmett, Imani, and Eleni all of whom love him so very much.

Anne, Paula, Mathew, Joseph, and Francis are Michael’s surviving siblings, and have an inspiring bond that continues to conquer the test of time.

Prior to passing, Mike asked everyone among family and friends to forgive him for any wrongdoing.

May his memory be Eternal.