Drakatos, Efstathios “Steve”
1918 - 2022
Efstathios (“Steve”) Drakatos passed away peacefully on April 3, 2022, at the age of 103, at his home in Upper Arlington, Ohio, with his wife and daughter Eleana by his side. Steve was born in Cephalonia, Greece in 1918. He served in the Royal Greek Navy during World War II, where he fought the Nazis in the Mediterranean and North Africa. He escaped the Greek Civil war that followed by making his way to the United States. He made passage to Coos Bay, Oregon, where he remained until he moved to
Cleveland, Ohio. He retired as an iron worker and was a member of the Iron Workers’ Union Local 17. After retirement, he moved to Thessaloniki, Greece with his wife and daughter until 1996, when he and his wife decided to follow their daughter to Columbus, Ohio. Steve was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Andriana Drakatos, his brothers George, Christopher, and Gerasimos, his sisters Dionysia Drakatos, Rozalia Voutsinas and Persephone Toumazatou, and his first-born son Gerasimos Drakatos. Steve is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kyriakoula (“Sandy”) Drakatos, who cared for him during the last ten years with unwavering love, compassion, courage, and loyalty. Steve and Sandy’s love was unique, and even though his physical presence will be greatly missed, his spirit will always be alive and present to guide her for the remainder of her earthly journey. Steve is survived by his daughter, Eleana (Dennis Yacobozzi); his granddaughter, Mika Yacobozzi; and his loyal dog, Phoebe who never left his side during the last days of his life. A debt of gratitude is owed to his caregivers and friends for their love and support, especially Cecilia Murphey. Steve is also survived by his daughter, Donna Dring; his sons, Joseph (Anna) and Peter (Katharine); and his grandchildren, Michael Drakatos, Alexis Drakatos, and Gerry Dring. Private funeral and burial services were held on April 6, 2022, at Resurrection Cemetery with immediate family in attendance. Contributions in honor of Steve’s life may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s Greek Language School at https://glscolumbus. com/. Please visit www. schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences. Funeral arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.