Greek-American philanthropist Michael Parlamis, a staunch supporter of Space Camp Türkiye, passed away on Oct.6 in New York City, N.Y. He was 73.

“Michael was a good friend of Space Camp Türkiye. Since 2005, he sponsored Greek students from Athens and his native home of Chios to attend our 6-Day international program. Through his generosity and efforts to promote goodwill, Michael provided once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for 76 Greek children,” remarked Mr. Tolga Yildirim, Global Friendship Through Space Education Manager at Space Camp Türkiye. Michael is survived by Marguerite, his wife of 47 years, his children Franklin, Christine and Alexander, and his ten grandchildren. Michael graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University. A professional engineer and expert on the New York City building code, Michael presided over the family’s restaurant contracting business, expanding it into restaurant ownership, notably Axia Taverna. Besides his many charitable contributions, he was a leader in his own community and a bridge to other communities. Michael was honored like his father, as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. A recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Michael nominated his close friend and our founder, Mr. Kaya Tuncer, to receive the same award for immigrant achievement in 2004.

ucation right now,” said Selahattin Sahin, coordinator for Turkish primary and secondary education at the ministry of education in Ankara.