Michael Cotsonas Obituary

Michael Nicholas Cotsonas MT. PLEASANT - In memory of our beloved brother and uncle, Michael Nicholas Cotsonas from Mount Pleasant, who departed on November 18th, 2020 at 86 in the same gentle manner that he touched the lives of those who will always love him dearly. Born in Astoria, NY on December 26th, 1933 to Nicholas and Anastasia Cotsonas from Siatista, Greece, Mike was a "man for all seasons". An accountant by profession in New York City, he was, at heart, a keen lover of literature and art. Every bookstore was an opportunity to add to his collection of 2,000 books that surrounded his home on subjects from Greek and Roman History, English Literature and Christianity to the Civil War and World War II and running and gardening. Mike's love of prose was matched with an artistic literacy and natural talent. He possessed a remarkable ability for rendering photorealistic pencil portraits and photographing landscapes beautifully. Along with his intellectual mind was an equally agile body that boasted a thick shock of hair. Rigorous about keeping his frame strong and lean, Mike knew the value of exercise and moderation. His vigor found him in athletic competitions late in life, winning the MUSC Plank Challenge in 2014 (11 unbelievable minutes!) and running numerous races from 2008-2012. He was perpetually in motion. More though than his endless curiosity and accomplishments, it's Mike's soft-spoken kindness, integrity and humanity that will remain indelible to those closest to him. He was a loving son and devoted husband, a charming brother who made everyone smile, an ever-present uncle who shared his passions for reading, photography and childhood love of balsa wood airplane model making, and a loyal friend whose relationships endured for decades. During his retirement in Mt. Pleasant, Mike served as sexton at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church, and enjoyed landscaping his yard. Mike leaves in deep sadness yet with much love - sisters, Bess Michaels and Louise Gatanas(husbandMark Gatanas), and nieces and nephews, Lee Kajouras, Anthea Kajouras Bowen (husband Robert Bowen), Paul Kajouras, Michael Kajouras (wife Jill Kajouras), Andréa Demirjian, Gregory Demirjian and Alexis Demirjian, and great-niece and nephew, Caitlin Bowen and Craig Bowen. His family is comforted knowing his ever-lasting spirit is with YiaYia and Papou again. He will be forever remembered in our hearts. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/charleston