George Dracopoulos

George Dracopoulos, 87, of Naperville, IL and born in Lianou, Tripoli, Greece passed peacefully at his home on August 12, 2021. He is the Beloved husband of Venetia (nee Magafas; Devoted father of Niki (Steve) Kiefer and Terry (Bernie) Codina; Cherished grandfather (“Papou”) of Kayla, Gabriella, Katy, Michael, and George; Loving brother of Fotini Frangos and the late Katerina (the late Panagiotis) Dedes, the late Ourania (the late Sotiri) Petropoulos, the late Nikoleta (the late Vasilis) Tsatsoulis, and the late Athanasios (Eleni) Dracopoulos); Dearest uncle, cousin, and friend to many here, Greece and Canada. Visitation, Monday August 16, 2021, from 4 – 8 p.m. at Salerno’s Rosedale Chapels 450 W. Lake St. Roselle, IL. Family and friends will meet Tuesday morning at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 893 N. Church Rd. Elmhurst, IL, 60126 for Funeral service at 10 a.m. Interment will follow to Arlington Cemetery. Arrangements by NICHOLAS M. PISHOS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, LTD., Info: 630-889-1700 or salernofuneralhomes.com
George was a guiding force in the family who exemplified strength and courage, built a strong family foundation, and provided endless, unconditional love and support to those that knew him.
He was born in the small Greek Village of Lianou on October 25, 1933, son of Paraskeva and Nikoleta. He completed high school and soon left to serve in the Greek military. An entrepreneur at heart, he then started what would become a lucrative produce distribution business and traveled throughout Greece to obtain the best produce and ensure his customers were satisfied. Several years later, in the early 1960’s, knowing his work ethic and courage would not let him down, he gave his entire business and all of his assets to his family and immigrated to America to seek new opportunities.
In America, he quickly connected with the Greek community in Chicago, IL and started his first job at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, while also studying mathematics and the English language. Later, he worked alongside his brother-in-law managing the Sports Corner Bar & Grill while cheering or crying alongside Cubs fans. In 1968, he traveled back to Greece and was introduced to his future wife, Venetia. They quickly fell in love, married, and, with her at his side, he returned to start a family in Chicago. George was naturally outgoing and easily connected with others, believed in working hard, spending carefully, and providing excellent service which led him to own/manage several restaurants and a night club in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Venetia is equally hard working and the two of them were truly in love, worked alongside each other and were inseparable for 53 years. His two daughters had his support at every turn, he taught them to be loving, strong and courageous, but they also knew that he would be there for them if they asked. He was truly devoted to and loved his family.
George was a savvy businessman and, in the early 1980’s used his savings to purchase commercial real estate which gave him and Venetia more time to support their family, spend a lot of time with each of their grandchildren and travel with friends. This change also allowed him to finally return annually to his beloved Greece and reconnect with his siblings, cousins, and friends.
He was a proud Greek American and was an active member, in various aspects, with the Pan Arcadian Federation of America as “with Greek roots we flourish in the U.S.A”. For many years, he presided over the Association of the municipal unit of Valtetsi. He also took great pride in helping fund “The Runners” sculpture on display at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The statue symbolizes immigration, commemorates the Greek origin of the Olympics, and adds another Greek stamp to Chicago. And, he loved to discuss the many Greek heroes, philosophers, and the Greek origins of democracy.
Throughout his life, his priority was his family, His work ethic and principals are an inspiration. He made everyone he encountered feel special. He lived life to the fullest. And he is loved and respected by many.
For the last few years, he suffered from Alzheimer’s, a long battle which took from him many things but, never his courage and strength nor the great love in his eyes. May his memory be eternal.