Emmanuel John Damoulakis passed away on December 28, 2016 at the home he built in Downey, California, surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Araxi, his children, Maria, Aliki, John and Jacob, his son in law, Harout, his daughter in law Rose, his grandsons, George and Emmanuel, his mother, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was born on January 26, 1948 to his loving parents, John and Maria Damoulakis, in Kalisikia, Rethymno, Crete. He emigrated to the United States in 1956 and was raised in Astoria, New York with his younger siblings, Despina, Stamati and Kleanthi.  He spent much of his childhood in the Catskills, where he enjoyed hunting with his father, uncles and cousins.  He studied from 1966-1967 at New York City College, then joined the US Navy from 1967-1971 where he was deployed to the Mediterranean. He later received his MBA from Long Island University.

In 1978, he moved to the west coast with his cousin Stamati where he was a proud member of Omonia Cretan Club in Orange County. In 1980, he met his future wife, Araxi. They married on December 26, 1981 and raised their four children in Downey, California. He founded his construction company, Damon in 1984, which has since become a family business, operated with his two sons. Emmanuel and Araxi joyfully celebrated the marriages of Aliki to Harout, and Jacob to Rose. One of his happiest days was celebrated in 2014 with the birth of his first grandson, George, and then, in 2016, the birth of his namesake, Emmanuel.

He will forever be remembered for his warm heart, loving smile, and the family man that he was. His youthful soul will live in the hearts of his wife and children and grandsons. His memory will be eternal to all those lives he's touched.

Trisagion will be held at 7 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Downey. Funeral services will be at 10 am on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, also at Saint George Church. Interment immediately following at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 10830 Downey Avenue, Downey, CA 90241.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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