Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

May 12, 2022

CHARLOTTE – Serafim “Mike” Pistiolis, 84, of Charlotte, NC died peacefully on Thursday, May 12,2022.

Serafim was born in the village of Fidakia in Evrytania, Greece and emigrated to the United States in 1956 at an early age.  He was first employed by a New York diner and gained experience in the restaurant business.  Serafim was married in 1963 and settled in New Bern and then Kinston, NC for a short time, eventually making Charlotte his home in 1965.  He was the co-owner and head chef of the Venus Restaurant.   

Serafim was an active and dedicated member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Throughout his life, he tirelessly served as a volunteer at the Greek Festival by preparing foods and serving as the chairperson for raffle ticket sales.  He supported the Vacation Bible School and Greek School program by cooking for the youth luncheons.  Serafim was also an advisor for the Velouchi Evrytanian Association of America Charlotte Chapter and served a term as president.  He championed the expansion of the Panagia Prousiotissa Chapel at Elatos Park while also being an executive board member, treasurer and parish council member.  Serafim’s hobby was his farm and raising beef cattle.  If you knew “Mike”, he had a love for the farm.  

Serafim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and deeply loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox community.  He was loving, kind, loyal and friendly.

Serafim is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Maria Pistiolis; his children, Michael Pistiolis and his wife, Vicky, Gus Pistiolis and his wife, DeeDee and Voula Kokalis and her husband, George; ten grandchildren, Sammy Pistiolis, Mike Pistiolis and his wife, Jessica, Harris Pistiolis and his wife, Madison, Margarita Pistiolis, Alexander Pistiolis, George Pistiolis, Maria Pistiolis, Nicole Pistiolis, Christos Kokalis and Theodora Kokalis.  Also surviving are his brother, Gerasimos Pistiolis and his wife, Tula.   He was predeceased by his parents, Mixail and Paraskevi Pistiolis and his granddaughter, Elena Aphrodite Pistiolis.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 16, 2022 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Serafim to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 or the Panagia Prousiotissa Chapel at Elatos Park.

May His Memory Be Eternal.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.