Emanuel Papacrist

Emanuel Papacrist, of Bloomingdale, loving husband of Yadira (nee Serrano); loving dad of Charles (Candy), Marie (Tony) Vela and Diana; loving son of the late Costas and Despina Papacrist; dear sister of Dorothy (the late Pete) Miliotis and Mary (George) Pantelidis; loving papou/opa of Melina (Christopher), Kevin, Jeanie (Scott) , Christopher, Johnny, Melissa and Tommy; proud great grandfather of several and dear uncle of many nieces and nephews.

I met my husband on a blind date back in 1983 and he forever changed my life. Emanuel was known to most as “Joe the Greek” a name he inherited from his physical education in his early grammar school years when he moved from Samos Greece to the US. Why he kept that name we will never know but he said it seemed “easy” for all to remember. That was him, easy, simple and uncomplicated with an enormous heart and determination.
He spent most of his life working multiple jobs but mostly truck driving as he enjoyed the great outdoors, hitting the roads as early and often as he could. Joe was a hardworking, loving and family man at heart and shared with many. He was a very charismatic and compassionate guy and made many friends in his lifetime journeys. His thunderous voice, in good times and bad, would always reflect what he was feeling and he would “tell it as it was” his way, no holding him back, stubborn like the “Greek” that he was. His infectious laugh, those beautiful “cow” eyes, (complements from his gal friends) and that flirtatious smile made it easy to overcome his“grumpy” ways. He never held back even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear.

My awesome love and selfless companion, my rock and my greatest supporter, you loved us all, gave us so much of you; you lived and loved life with so much passion, your journey was long and you fought a good fight until the end, we will always love you forever. May you rest in peace my love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the USO