Modestos “Mike” Sitaras, 75, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away suddenly at his home on November 5, 2026. A longtime Chester business owner and active member of the Greek-American community, he maintained close ties to his birthplace on the island of Chios throughout his life.
Born in Xalandra, Chios, he was the son of the late Haralambos and Stamatia (Mallas) Sitaras. He graduated from Chester High School in 1968, where he played soccer, and lived in Ridley Park before moving to Wilmington 49 years ago.
In 1978, Sitaras established Mike’s Garage in Chester, which he owned and operated for nearly five decades. His passion for cars extended well beyond the garage, particularly to classic automobiles, muscle cars, and racing. He especially enjoyed attending his son’s races. An enthusiastic Philadelphia Eagles fan, he also enjoyed playing cards and betting on his favorite teams.
Sitaras was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Media, AHEPA, and the Chion Society Agia Markella. His visits to Chios were especially important to him. He returned to see his sister, relatives, and friends, and enjoyed dancing at the traditional panigyri in his native village of Xalandra.
Family remained central to his life. He was particularly devoted to his grandchildren, Julia, Ava, and Michael, who knew him as “Pappou.”
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Eleni “Helen” (Aristoklis) Sitaras; his children, Tina (Sitaras) Cubeta, Crystal Sitaras, and John Sitaras (Paige); his sister, Presbytera Mersina Poulis; and his grandchildren, Julia Cubeta, Ava Eleni Whitlock, and Michael (Modestos) Cubeta. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Eugenia “Jeannie” Sitaras.
He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. The family also remembered Danny Steciw, a devoted employee whom Sitaras considered like a son.
Funeral Arrangements
A viewing will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 8:30 to 10:45 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 30 East Forge Road, Media, PA 19063.
The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Lawn Croft Cemetery, 1000 West Ridge Road, Linwood, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to St. George Greek Orthodox Church or the American Heart Association.