Manuel Peter Delis
August 25, 1932 - February 7, 2018
Live, Love, Dance! On January 7th, at the young age of 85, Manuel Peter (Delakis) Delis, of San Francisco California, left this world on his own terms. Manny lived life to the fullest and his energy was contagious!
Fiercely passionate, independent, and stubborn, he was a go getter, defying the norm and constantly inspiring others to think out of the box. We loved this about him. He was a generous and kind man with an indomitable spirit that inspired all who knew him. He loved his family.
Remembered by all who knew him for his zest for life, generous fun-loving nature, candor, and pragmatic interpretation of the world around him. It was always a good time with Manny!
Born in San Francisco to the late Katherine and Peter Delis, who immigrated to the United States from Crete in search of a better life. Manny was raised in a proud, devoted and loving family steeped in their Mediterranean culture. He was the youngest of 5 siblings.
His entrepreneurial aptitude started as a teenager and continued to develop throughout his life. His instincts for business and investment came naturally and he flourished in all aspects of his career. He was in the sons of Pericles, and was a member of the San Francisco Golden Gate Chapter of AHEPA.
Manny served his country honorably in the Navy during the Korean War and was stationed in Guam. Upon his return, he married Fay Bravos and worked in the family business with his brother Nick for a short time. Because he was a hard driving, creative and talented business man he decided to follow his instincts and began Delis Investments. One of his many successful business endeavors included his popular art gallery on Powell Street in San Francisco.
Manny loved to play poker, chess and he excelled in Baccarat. In the 1970’s Baccarat became his passion, and he soon found success and elite status in Baccarat competitions around the world. He played in tournaments for many years, all the while enjoying travel and the many friendships he developed along the way. In his later years Manny’s love of poker continued as he enjoyed spending time in the fun, social environment at Artichoke Joe’s. Here he enjoyed socializing and cultivated many good friendships.
Manny was a devoted parent and grandparent and mentored his son Dean and daughter Lydia as they both developed their own successful careers modeled after his creative approach to business and life.
Manny retired young and enjoyed his life each and every day. To all those he interacted with he always brought a smile, laughter, even a good argument to get the blood flowing.
Manny lived his life his way!
Devoted father of daughter Lydia DelisSchlosser, and his best friend and son Dean Delis, (Nancy). Adoring Papu (grandfather) of Frankie and Mikie Schlosser, Melina Delis, Shalene Cannon, Sophia and Andrina Delis. Loving brother of the late Nick Delis, Leftare Delis, he is survived by his Sister Evelyn (Delis) Pappageorge and Costa Delis, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
At Manny’s request, and with family members present, his remains were honored with a Naval Ceremony and have been scattered in the San Francisco Bay and outside the Golden Gate, on a most incredible day. There will be no public services. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Church of the Holy Cross, 900 Alameda Ave, Belmont CA, 94002 or, as Manny often did, do something kind and thoughtful that will make someone smile today!