It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dad, John Constantinos Drakakis, on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the age of 95, surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Irene “Rena” Drakakis, and sisters Chrisoula Anogianakis and Angela Ahladianakis. 

He is survived by his beloved children, Sophia (George) Mantzouranis, Katerina (Stelios) Kontakiotis and Kosta (Desireé) Drakakis. Loving Papou of Alexander and Christopher Mantzouranis, Rena and John Drakakis. Also his brother George Drakakis, godson Michali Ahladianakis, nieces and nephews in Athens and Crete.

John was born in the village of Skopi, in Sitia, Crete, the oldest son of Kosta and Ekaterini.  He attended the School of Agriculture Science in Athens where he studied Phytology and Bee Farming. After that, he attended the Greek Police Academy, serving in Athens, Naxos, Koufonisia and Amorgos.  He retired as Police Captain after 18 years of service.  While stationed in Amorgos he met the love of his life Irene “Rena” Prasinos. In 1965 they married in Athens and had their first child, Sophia in 1966.  They immigrated to New York in 1968 for a short period of time and then moved to Washington D.C.. In 1969 they had their second child, Katerina and in 1970 their son, Kosta.  From the late 60’s through the 70’s, John was the caretaker of Sts. Constantine and Helen in Washington, DC, and served alongside Rev. Father Demetrios Kalaris. In the early 80’s John and his family moved to Rockville, MD. and he became the caretaker of St. George in Bethesda, MD and served alongside Bishop George Papaioannou of New Jersey.  In the late 80’s, John was the owner of Rena Restaurant and Shady Grove Deli in Rockville and Bethesda. Inspired by his family traditions of producing olive oil, he founded the Greek artisanal food brand “Ancient Foods” with his son, Kosta, in 2017. His family’s olive groves in Sitia, Crete produce “EDAFOS”, one of the finest olive oils enjoyed by many people and restaurants throughout the country. 

Once retired, he spent most of his time in Amorgos appreciating quality time with his family, his old time friends and many new friends that he made throughout the years.  He loved Amorgos deeply and he had hoped to visit one last time to reunite with his friends in Katapola and Aegiali.  He found great joy hunting with his brother and friends. He was an avid fisherman with his psarotoufeko (speargun).  He cherished every moment on the water, and especially enjoyed the challenge of catching octopus and fish in the Big Blue on the island of Amorgos. Above all, his four grandchildren were the greatest joy of his life and the light of his heart. He enjoyed cooking for them and loved having them in Greece in the summer. He cherished every moment with them and took immense pride in each of their accomplishments, celebrating every milestone with love and admiration.

Our dad was loved by many, here in the USA and in Greece. He truly will be missed.

Arrangements: A Visitation for friends and family will be held at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Washington, D.C. ~ 721 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD. 20905, on Tuesday, August 4th at 10:00am with Funeral Services beginning at 11:00am. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of John Drakakis, to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Washington D.C., 721 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905: https://www.schgoc.org/