John Demetrakis

John George Demetrakis, 88, of Merrillville, Indiana, passed away on May 6, 2019.  John was born in Gary, Indiana on May 6, 1931, the only son of (late) George and Angeline Demetrakis.

John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Harriett (Morse) Demetrakis, sons, Jeff Csonka, Gregory and Matthew Demetrakis, grandchildren, Michael (Reva) Csonka, Kaitlin (Michael), Bailey Csonka, Madison Csonka, Evelyn, Adam, and Christian Demetrakis, great-grandchildren, Isaac, and Audrey. Brother-in-law, James Nonus, his niece, Pam (Mike) Hair, and nephew, Peter (Cathy) Nonus, and other family and friends.

John is preceded in death by his parents, George and Angeline  Demetrakis, his sister, Mary P. Nonus, and his uncle, Nick Demetrakis.

John was a 1950 graduate of Emerson High School, Gary, IN. John served our country in the U.S. Navy until 1952, and the Naval Reserve until 1958. He established a store in The Village Shopping Center with two fellow veterans, Melvin Solon, and Nick Christ. After closing the business the veterans started separate lives but remained life-long friends.

John retired from the Lake County Indiana Highway Department. He was a life-long member of SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral where he served a number of times as Chairman for the Greek Festival Committee . For years he helped cut the lambs for the lamb dinners sold at the Festival. He served as a member of the church council. His other joy was singing in the church choir for 15 years.

John enjoyed traveling and attending the AHEPA conventions. John was a Past District Governor for the AHEPA,  He was a board member of the AHEPA National Housing Corporation (ANHC) and instrumental in establishing the six AHEPA 78 Apartment buildings, located in Merrillville, IN. They provide affordable housing for low-income elderly and disabled persons. They work with HUD establishing these properties for Seniors and the disabled.

John was also an avid Chicago sports fan throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to AHEPA 78, PO Box 11052, Merrillville, IN 46410 to help fund a memorial for John.

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