In Memoriam: Michael A. Firilas, Past Supreme Governor, District Governor of AHEPA

Michael A. Firilas, one of the leading figures in the history of the Reading/Berks County Chapter of the Order of AHEPA, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2020, at the age of 88, in his home in New Port Ritchie, Fla.

Brother Mike, a past president of AHEPA Chapter No. 61, was instrumental in reviving the chapter in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, personally recruiting most of the chapter members. He rose to prominence in the AHEPA in Pennsylvania and nationally, serving as District Governor of Power District No. 4 in 1980, and as a Supreme Governor of the Order of AHEPA in 1986.

For many years, he spearheaded AHEPA's efforts to gain justice for his homeland of Cyprus after the Turkish invasion of 1974 as a member of the AHEPA Cyprus Committee. Brother Mike was honored as AHEPAN of the Year by Pennsylvania's Power District No. 4 in 1991.

He was initiated into the AHEPA on Nov. 24, 1963. In addition to his 57 years of membership in the AHEPA, Brother Mike was also a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Lions International. He was also a longtime member of the GAPA Chapter in Reading, Pa., and also served as District Governor of that service organization.

He was very active in leadership roles at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa., serving many years on the Parish Council, including three terms as Council President. He also served multiple times as Chairman of the church's annual Greek Food Bazaar fundraiser.

Mike's dedication to the church culminated with his designation as an Archon, the highest honor bestowed for a lay member of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Born in Cyprus on Nov. 1, 1931, Mike Firilas immigrated to the United States in 1950. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, he came to Reading, Pa., where he established a successful painting/sandblasting business. He later purchased and operated Reading Paint and Wallpaper Company.

After retiring, Mike and his wife moved to Florida.

He is survived by his wife, Kula; his daughter, Mary, wife of Spiro G. Patton of Florida; and his son, Dr. Anthony Firilas and his wife, Kim, and grandchildren Keira and Michael, all of South Carolina. He is also survived by a brother, Andrea, and three sisters, Adriana, Despina and Vefa, all of Cyprus.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Vasilis and Anastasis; and three sisters: Cornelia, Eleni and Lukia.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 2, 2020, in Florida.

Memorial contributions may be made to either St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 9426 Little Road, New Port Ritchey, FL 34654; or to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611.