Michael Dennis Labatos

Michael Dennis Labatos, of North Syracuse, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 2, 2026 at the age of 84, surrounded and cared for by his family.

Born in Argostoli, Kefalonia, Greece in 1942, Michael was the first-born child of Varvara (Kokkini) and Dionysios Labatos. After graduating high school in Greece, he and his family relocated to Massena, NY, where he also graduated from Massena Central High School in 1962. Driven by a desire to serve, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1964. He served his country as a meteorologist and interpreter during the Vietnam War in the 6th Fleet aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal - the pioneering “supercarrier” of its era - until his honorable discharge in 1968.

Upon returning to Massena, Mike met Constance (Ober), the love of his life, whom he married in 1969 and shared 57 beautiful years with. Following a career of managing restaurants, Michael became an entrepreneur in 1985 when he opened Charley’s Cafe in Shoppingtown Mall. In the 1990s, he pivoted into real estate, operating his own brokerage firm, Alpha Realty of Syracuse into the 2020s.

In Mike’s commitment to preserving his culture, he administered the Greek School housed at Saint Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, where he also served as a Parish Council member. Mike spent over 40 years as a devoted member of the Order of AHEPA, working tirelessly to promote the Hellenistic ideals he held dear. He served Chapter 37 in numerous capacities, including as President. In recent years, Mike served as the AHEPA Governor for the Empire District 6 (State of NY) and was a valued member of the AHEPA National Veterans Affairs Committee.

Michael was predeceased by his father and mother. He is survived by his devoted wife, Connie, whose nurturing spirit and constant support were his greatest comfort throughout his life. He is also survived by his children, Dion (Virginia) Labatos, Christina (Thomas) Laughlin, and Jason (YingNa) Labatos, his grandchildren, Skyler, Saraya, Ting, Hyacinth, Stasia, Sage, Constantine, his sister Aggeliki, his brother Anthony (Tony), and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at 10:30am on Friday, November 13 at Saint Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church in Syracuse. Funeral Services will follow at 11:30am. Interment at North Syracuse Cemetery directly after. The Makaria (memorial meal) will be held at 2:00 pm, also at Saint Sophia's.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s memory to the AHEPA Chapter 37 Scholarship Fund by sending to: AHEPA Syracuse Chapter 37, ATTN: Scholarship Fund, 325 Waring Road, Syracuse, NY 13224.

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Αιώνια η μνήμη - May his memory be eternal