Emmanuel Giannetakis passed away on October 7th, 2016 with his beloved wife at his right side and surrounded by his loved ones.

Emmanuel was born on November 25th, 1926 in Crete, Greece, to Paul and Olympia Giannetakis. He immigrated to the United States in 1956 with only some change in his pocket and a dream to make his way to Long Beach, California. A strong willed man with no lack of perseverance, he co-founded the first Omega Drive-in in Long Beach with his best friend, Aristides Limberakis in 1965. Over the years they opened several locations and brought in friends and family as partners along the way; they knew that there was enough prosperity for everyone.

Emmanuel was an honest man of very few words and was never boastful, few people ever knew of his philanthropy. He always had an open heart, an open hand, and an open door to help someone he knew in need. He would donate to many churches in the US and to multiple philanthropic and medical organizations.

Emmanuel completed an associate degree at Long Beach Community College. Through out his entire life he had a strong thirst to learn and was an avid non-fiction reader. He was particularly interested in learning historical and scientific facts.

Emmanuel was very proud of his Cretan heritage and was an original member of the Cretans Ommonia of Orange County. He helped to start the chapter in 1986 and served as the Treasurer for over 25 years. Emmanuel was dedicated to sharing and keeping the Cretan spirit and traditions alive in the United States.

Known for much of his life as an unyielding bachelor, in 1993 he finally met his match; and on May 28th, 1995, Emmanuel married Fara Katerina. They shared a love for travel and together they visited over 10 countries. They also loved to travel through out the United States and often took memorable road trips together.

In his later years, when he was not travelling with his wife, Emmanuel enjoyed gardening at home. He loved to grow various different delicious fruits and vegetables in his yard. He also made his own homemade wine in large barrels; he and Fara Katerina would sit together every evening and enjoy a glass as they discussed current events. He had a special interest in politics and loved to follow the news both in Greece and in America until his final days. Emmanuel also loved to spend time at Omega Drive-in. He put all his heart and soul into his restaurants and was even involved in the day-to-day operations up until the time his body would allow him to.

His wife, Fara Katerina and his children, Olivia, Valerie, Trent, Alexander, and Mondana survive him. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and his brother, Strate Giannetakis. His sisters Katina, Eleni, and Argie and his brother, Alex, predeceased Emmanuel.

Trisagion will be at Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church (405 North Dale Street, Anaheim, California) on Wednesday, October 12th, 2016 at 7:00pm. Funeral service to follow on Thursday, October 13th, 2016 10:00am also at Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church.

To those close to Emmanuel, he will always be remembered for his generosity, his honesty, his wisdom, and his wit. He touched and changed the course of many lives in his time with us. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Greek Orthodox Church, Anaheim, CA. May His Memory Be Eternal.