Michael Piera - Obituary

ichael “Mike” Piera, 84, of Riva and previously of Annapolis, died on Monday March 8th, 2010 at his residence. Mike was born September 23, 1925 in the village of Yialousa on the Island of Cyprus to the late Athanasis and Maroulla Piera. Mr. Piera left Cyprus for England, where he worked for a time before coming to United States in 1953. It was his dream to come to the United States. He worked as a bartender at Paul's Restaurant prior to opening Mike's Bar and Crabhouse in Riva. In 1960 he returned to England for a visit where he met and married his wife, Kathe (also from Yialousa, Cyprus). Together they raised four sons. With his wife by his side, Mr. Piera worked hard to make his restaurant successful. His sons learned the business and soon all four of his sons joined him in the family business. Over the years, Mr. & Mrs. Piera welcomed many relatives and friends from Cyprus and England into their home and helped them to settle here in the Annapolis area. Mr. Piera was a member of Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, a past parish president and member of AHEPA, he was a Mason and a member of Annapolis Elks Lodge. He enjoyed being with his family, being near the water, swimming, walking and travelling. Mike was preceded in death by his sisters, Christina, Kyriacoulla (Koulou) and Angeliki. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathe; his four sons: Athanasis (Jennifer) Piera of West River; John Piera of Riva; Anthony Piera of Riva; Peter (Sarah) Piera of West River; his six grandchildren: Ericka, Michael, Katarina, Alyssa, Katherine and Christina; his sisters: Anna Christodoulou and Antigone Loizou both of Annapolis; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Family and Friends are invited to Michael's Life Celebration at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 11 at 11:00am at Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD. Interment St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cemetery, Annapolis, MD. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Children's Agape Foundation, P.O. Box 341881, Bethesda, MD 20827. This organization assists children of the Orthodox Christian faith with medical related expenses not covered by insurance.