The Anezakis name is indelibly linked to the history of South Melbourne football club and former Hellas President Leonidas Anezakis was in charge during the golden era of football in Australia and the rich history of South Melbourne itself.
Mr Anezakis was president when the club won its first national championship in 1984, his son, Manny was part of the squad that delivered the much-coveted title that year.
Mr Anezakis, who was 88, died from a range of health issues this week just months after his wife, Anthoula also passed away.
A native of Thessaloniki (he played for MENT Thessaloniki team), Mr Anezakis came to Australia at a young age and became a member of Hellas Melbourne.
He served South Melbourne most of his life in various roles in the club administration, eventually becoming the president of the club when it won the national championship and the cup in 1984.
His and the clubs success was encapsulated by the report compiled by his colleague and Neos Kosmos sports journalist Elias Donoudis which was entitled “Hellas took it all”.
The club and Neos Kosmos extend their sincerest condolences to his sons Manny and Ian and the entire Anezakis family during this tough time.