WILMINGTON — Despina “Dorothy” Lardis Manolukas, 94, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, with her loved ones at her bedside.
Born on February 18, 1932, in Warren, Ohio, she was the beloved daughter of Stephen Lardis and Athena Mavronicles Lardis.
Dorothy married the love of her life, George Manolukas, in 1954 and spent her lifetime creating a loving and welcoming home for her husband, children, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Dorothy was beautiful, selfless, funny, and loved by everyone who knew her. All were welcome at her table. Her artistic and creative nature were reflected in her impeccable fashion sense, interior design, and ability to entertain flawlessly.
A graduate of Warren G. Harding High School in 1951, Dorothy worked as a manager at Second National Bank of Warren, Ohio, before making her home in Youngstown, Ohio. She was a member of St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Youngstown, where she served on the Board of Philoptochos.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George Manolukas; her brothers, Captain Christopher Lardis and George S. Lardis; her brother- and sister-in-law, Ted and Peggy Manolukas; and her nephew, Nik Manolukas.
Dorothy is survived by her son, Dr. Peter G. Manolukas and his wife, Joan, of Hampstead, North Carolina; her daughter, Marisa Gallaher and her husband, Patrick, of Wilmington, North Carolina; and her grandchildren, Despina Manolukas, George Manolukas and his wife, Tracey, Emmanuel Manolukas and his wife, Carrie, Stephanie Harrill and her husband, Graham, Christopher Gallaher and his wife, Shannon, Alex Manolukas and his fiancée, Sarah, and her beloved sister-in law, Dorothy Lardis.
She also leaves her great-grandchildren, Lukas and Georgiana Harrill; Thalia, Penelope, Elias, and soon to arrive, baby Manolukas; and Maura and Patrick Gallaher. She will be lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Athena Charnas, Steve Lardis, Alexandra Asimes, John Manolukas and Alexii Lardis; her “adopted son,” Brian Hipwell; and numerous grandnieces, grandnephews, and godchildren.
The family would like to thank Dr. Dean Karras of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Lower Cape Fear LifeCare for their exceptional care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:
- St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church Memorial Fund, 4955 Glenwood Avenue, Boardman, OH 44512
- St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Memorial Fund, 608 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403
- The Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037
- Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401
May her memory be eternal.
