Menelaos "Mel" Kopanakis, age 95, of Lake Station passed away Thursday, October 15, 2020. Mel was born January 31, 1925 in St. Ioannis, Crete, Greece to the late George and Katerina (nee Asprathakis) Kopanakis. Mel's life experiences included significant accomplishments beginning at an early age where he was an intelligence runner in Crete, Greece during WWII at 15 years old. He also served in law enforcement (Astiphilackas) in Athens, Greece for approximately 12 years.  Mel then migrated to Toronto, Canada, where he met the love of his life, Sofia Tsimalis.  Together they began their lives and had children, George and Niki.  The family moved to Lake Station, Indiana in 1968.  Mel was a member of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral. He retired from US Steel where he worked at the 18-2 bar mill.  He enjoyed gardening, fishing, cooking, and dancing to Greek music.  Sofia became sick and as a devoted husband Mel took care of her while at home.  Eventually, Sofia required to be admitted into a nursing home and as a loving and devoted husband, Mel spent nearly all day everyday with her for two years while she resided there. Mel dearly loved his grandchildren and focused much of his time on them. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Mel is survived by his son, George (Lisa) Kopanakis of Hobart; daughter, Niki (Dimitri) Syllantavos of Chicago; four grandchildren, Menelaos Kopanakis, Phillip Syllantavos, Amanda (Daniel) Hirsch and Dylan Stuckey; and great-grandson, Derek Hirsch. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Sofia; seven siblings; and his parents. Memorial gifts are preferred to Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Merrillville, Indiana.

Funeral services will begin at 12 pm on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison Street Merrillville, IN 46410 with Rev. Theodore Poteres officiating. Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery. Face masks and social distancing will be required for attendance to services. Visitation will be Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 4-8 pm with a 5 pm ​Trisagion Service at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd. Hobart, IN 46342.  For more information please call 219-942-2109 or www.reesfuneralhomes.com.