Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Emmanuel Nick Klimis, 72 years old, passed away August 3, 2025, peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Emmanuel Nick Klimis, affectionately known by many names—Manuel to his wife, Dad to his daughters, Manny to his friends, Uncle Manuel to his nieces and nephews, Mr. Klimis to his students, and Pappou to his beloved granddaughter—lived a life full of love, adventure, and generosity.
Born into a military family, his childhood was spent exploring new places which fostered his adventurous spirit and his ease in making new friends. After graduating from University of Florida, Manuel started his career in education. He eventually settled in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where he married Jenny Milonas. They raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Christina in South Tampa, then eventually moved back to Tarpon Springs.
Manuel dedicated his professional life to education as a math teacher, coach, and technology teacher, ending his career at Tarpon Springs Middle School, where he left a lasting impact on his students and colleagues.
Manuel loved hunting, fishing, and racquetball. He never met a stranger and had the unique gift of turning acquaintances into lifelong friends. His generous nature was legendary. No one left his home empty-handed—whether it was life advice, a fishing pole, or one of his signature pocket knives, Manuel always had something to give.
In recent years, he found deep joy as a member of the Tampa Rough Riders, forging strong bonds with friends he called his brothers. Manuel especially loved DJ-ing on the Rough Rider float during the annual Gasparilla parade, curating playlists that energized crowds and brought joy to the streets. He also found fulfillment in volunteering, collecting and distributing teddy bears to hospital patients.
Manuel walked confidently in life with God as his guide. Even in the most difficult moments, his faith never wavered. He never stopped sharing his love and light, giving encouragement to others and always pointed to God as his source of peace.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00, and the funeral service starting at 11:00, all on Friday, August 8, 2025 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs. Interment will follow at Cycadia Cemetery in Tarpon Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to Manuel's heart. He was deeply loved by all who knew him, and his kindness, strength, and steady presence will be missed beyond words. We find comfort in knowing he is at peace in God’s embrace.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emmanuel N Klimis, please visit our floral store.