Manuel "Buns" Pihakis

Manuel "Buns" Pihakis, 89, of Canonsburg, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family, Saturday, November 5, 2022.
He was born April 14, 1933, in Canonsburg, a son of Michael and Sophie Pantely Pihakis. 
Mr. Pihakis was an active member of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, where he served as past President, Vice President, and Board Member over the past 56 years. He was a graduate from Indiana University, where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degree, in Education. Prior to his retirement, he worked from 1957 to 1993 for the Canon McMillan School District, as the Athletic Director, Activities Director, and Dean of Students.
Mr. Pihakis was proud and dedicated to serving his community. Included in his civic contributions, Buns has been a 27 year member of the Canon McMillan School Board, as past President, and current Vice-President. He was Co-Chairman of the Canonsburg Fourth of July Parade and Celebrations. He was a member of the Canonsburg Public Library Board, the President of the Frank Sarris Public Library Board, Canonsburg Renaissance Board, Junior Achievement Advisory Board, Greenery Nursing Home Advisory Board, Committee of the HUD Senior Citizen High Rise, Chairman of the Zoning Board in Canonsburg, served on the Canonsburg Council, served as Mayor of Canonsburg, was the Co-Chairman of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church food festival, and was Co-Chairman of the Senior Highrise of AHEPA housing.

He has been honored by several organizations including, being awarded ARCHON of the Ecumenical Patriarch, the highest award honoring a layman of the Greek Orthodox Church, recognized as a founder of the Annual Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic, Chairman of the Regional Wrestling Committee, inductee of the Pittsburgh Wrestling Hall of Fame, PIAA Wrestling state Hall of Fame, PIAA Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame, Pennsylvania Coaches Assocation Hall of Fame, Washington County Wrestling Hall of Fame, 1987 Canonsburg Borough Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year, one of the founder's of the Tri County Athletic Directors Association, 1991 Tri County Athletic Director President, 1993 Pennsylvania Athletic Director of the Year, 2002 Canon McMillan Hall of Honor for Wrestling and Academia, 2010 WPIAL Hall of Fame, 2018 Pennsylvania State Wrestling Hall of Fame. 

His Athletic Achievements include 1949-1957 4 time Regional Wrestling Chamion, 3 time State Wrestling Champion, 1952 Final Olympic Trials in Ames, Iowa; His High School wrestling record was 99-1, college was 58-8. He was the AAU Champion of State of Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In 1956, he was in the final olympic trials, and both in 1957, he placed second in the Big Ten Wrestling Tournament, and was Big Ten All American.

On August 17, 1958, he married his loving wife of over 64 years, Evelyn "Dolly" Mahramas Pihakis, who survives. Also surviving are his sons, Michael Pihakis, and George Pihakis; his brother, Jamo (Helen) Pihakis; grandchildren, Dolly (Andrew) Andronas, Mikel Lynn (Chris) Tsangaris, Manuel Pihakis, and Alex Pihakis; great grandchildren, Christiana, Giuliana, Frankie, Dimitri, and Eleni; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Louie and Gus Pihakis; sister, Mary Pihakis; and his daughter-in-law, Pamela Pihakis.
Friends will be received Tuesday, 2-8pm, Wednesday, 2-8pm, and Thursday, 10-11am, in the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 601 W. McMurray Road, Canonsburg, PA, 15317. Trisagion will be held Wednesday at 7pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11am, in the church, followed by burial in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.  
Arrangements entrusted to Sollon Funeral and Cremation Services, LTD, 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, Phillip L. Sollon, supervisor, 724-746-1000.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, in Manuel "Buns" Pihakis's name.
Please visit www.sollon.com to leave online condolences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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