Athanasios Zarakas

Age 82, of Crown Point, formerly of Merrillville, IN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 16 th , 2025.  Athanasios is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Filio Zarakas (nee Skoubordis); children, Louie (Kristina) Zarakas, Peter Zarakas, and Takis (Alexandra) Zarakas; precious grandchildren, Nicholas (Alyssa) Zarakas, Steffan (Rachel) Zarakas, Lucas (Alyssa), Liliana Zarakas, Fotini Zarakas and Athanasios Zarakas; great-grandchildren, Charlese Zarakas, Adalena Zarakas, and Mason Zarakas; siblings, brothers Sam Zarakas, John Zarakas and Dimitri Zarakas; sisters, Zoe Hatzos (late Ted) and Maria (Athanasios) Papalazarou, brother in law of Eleni (late Nick) Adams, and Manuel (Carol) Kazanas, best friend and cousin Dimitri Flaskos. Cherished by many nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and friends. Athanasios is preceded in death by his parents, Elias and Fotini Zarakas; sibling, Kosta (Mary) Zarakas.

Athanasios was born in Rhodos, Greece in 1942 and immigrated to the United States in 1958. He worked hard with his father bringing his family over to the States from Greece. He worked many
years as a chef and was a co-owner of the Odyssey Restaurant. Athanasios was passionate about cooking and making his famous cheesecakes, his Chicago Blackhawks and bowling with his friends. His greatest joy, however, was his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather, he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. His kindness, wisdom, and warm presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM followed by funeral services starting 10:00 AM on Friday February 21 st 2025, at SS. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison St., Merrillville, IN and will be laid to rest directly after at Calumet Park Cemetery, in Merrillville, IN. Fr. Theodore Poteres and Fr. Dimitri Burikas will be officiating.