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Dr. John Mitakides

1948 - 2023

Dr.  John Mitakides obituary, 1948-2023, Dayton, OH

BORN

1948

DIED

2023

John Mitakides Obituary

Mitakides, Dr. John Edward

On October 18, 2023 John Edward Mitakides, DDS, DAACP, passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife of nearly 42 years. He leaves an adoring family, and a legacy of devotion to his family, of service to his patients, and as an example of a life well-lived. John was born on May 19, 1948 in Dayton, Ohio, where he and his wife Jane were married on June 5, 1982. They are the parents of Katherine Wynn Mitakides (Katie) and Andrew John Mitakides, and the grandparents of Hutt and Louella Moody. John was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Edward Mitakides and Chrisoula Apostolos. A proud graduate of The Ohio State University and the OSU College of Dentistry, John was equally proud of his brief time playing football there – and of the association he maintained with Coach Woody Hayes. His third date with Jane was a dinner with Coach Hayes… John certainly knew how to impress an Ohio girl. John's talents were many and diverse, but his greatest attribute was being a decent, dedicated, caring person. He participated in the lives of his children in every good way – as a coach, a mentor, and a guide. He was devoted to his wife, and together they shared almost a half-century of adventures from the Baja desert to Buckingham Palace. No description of John would be complete without a mention of his sense of humor – wry, witty, sometimes a bit risqué, sometimes off-the-wall, but always warm and kind. John was a father figure to many, and beloved by his "Cotillion family," with whom the Mitakides family has spent Thanksgiving for the last 25 years. John loved being part of this organization which supports the Children's National Medical Center, and in recent years supporting Jane in her role as president of the Foundation Board. Dr. Mitakides dedicated his career to improving the lives of individuals with craniofacial pain disorders and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. In the words of the EDS Society, "he was a beacon of hope for countless patients. Dr. Mitakides' work not only impacted the lives of those living with EDS and HSD but also inspired a new generation of medical professionals." Dr. Mitakides was a member of the Professional Advisory Network of the international Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation, the only dentist to be so recognized. In 2021, he was Presented with The Ehlers-Danlos Society's Lifetime Achievement Award. He was a Diplomate of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, the highest level of achievement awarded by AACP, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine. He was honored in 2021 by the AACP with the Charles R. Holt Humanitarian Service Award for his work in bringing about change and furthering education. His lectures and seminars were most often "standing room only," nationally and internationally. He was widely published, including in the American Journal of Medical Genetics. It speaks volumes about the kind of man he was that the young girl who was his dental assistant on his very first day in practice was still at his side on his very last day, 47 years later. Cheryl Smith and her sister Julie, who worked with John 45 years, were part of a team most of whom were with him over 20 years. He was, quite simply, one of a kind. It was John's wish that friends, patients, and family join in a celebration of his life on November 11, from 2 until 4:30 PM at Moraine Country Club in Dayton. Sharing and caring until the very end, it was John's wish that those inclined would consider supporting one of the organizations that meant so much to him: The National Debutante Cotillion Foundation, a 501(c)(3) supporting humanitarian works and organizations, including the Children's National Medical Center of Washington, D.C., at https://nationaldebutantecotillion.org/donate; or The Ohio State University College of Dentistry.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News from Oct. 29 to Nov. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for John Mitakides

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Bob Luebkeman

May 16, 2025

Met John in 1973. His mother lived on the end of the street that I lived on. We became instant friends and this endured for years. Unfortunately time tends to slip away and friendships, although very strong, become acquaintances. I lost track of this friend due to life changes. I was floored today upon the discovery of his passing. We saw and did a lot over the years and I will cherish his friendship for the rest of my life. To Jane I give my condolences.

susan joffe

October 25, 2024

Miss John and his great laugh.

A former patient

July 18, 2024

Dr John was one of a kind! . He diagnosed and treated my TMD while other Drs just scratched their heads. I will be forever grateful for the care I received by him and his caring Staff. He will be deeply missed.
May he Rest In Peace.

Joan Philpot

May 25, 2024

I just found out about Dr. John´s passing. I was one of his patients from his early years with Dr Saidel until not very many years ago. He was always interested in how I was doing and always had a joke for me. He was a great dentist. He and Cheryl made you feel like family. You will be truly missed.

Jean Duemling

January 25, 2024

So sorry Jane. Cling to your memories. May God comfort you and your family. Love, Cousin Jean Duemling

Catherine (Cathy) Cook

January 23, 2024

Just saw John's obituary. A sad day and a great loss to the community and to his family, many friends, and patients. I will always remember him fondly. He and his staff helped me through TMJ issues and was always a pleasure to speak with him. We shared a love of politics and classic cars during appointments.

Heidi

January 19, 2024

I just found out about your passing and I am devastated. You are the reason my daughter has had a chance at a pain free life. Your kindness and compassion was a gift you shared with so many of us in pain with little to no hope

Linda Hughes

January 14, 2024

I am so sad to hear this. I am an extremely grateful former patient of Dr. John Mitakides. He changed my life-saving me from debilitating head, neck, and jaw pain resulting from severe TMJ. He was brilliant, kind, compassionate, funny, and generous. He taught my husband a few tricks to spare me frequent 75 mile trips to "fix my neck." He was a prince and I am eternally grateful for his contribution to my life. Sending my heartfelt sympathy to the family.

Arthur Gardikes, MD

November 25, 2023

Sadly upon learning of John´s passing, a surge of memories has come to mind. I am reminded how kind, gentlemanly, patient and generous fellow he was. There are many praises that can be recited. They still wouldn´t completely describe him.
My condolences to his endearing family.
or Memory Eternal

DrSimi Silver

November 15, 2023

Dr Mitakides was a leader in his field and I am grateful for his passion and dedication to TMJ and Ehlers Danlos. I have learned so much from his work to help my patients as a dentist and also to help myself as I have EDS. Thank you

Lorraine Barclay Nordlinger

November 12, 2023

Please know that we are so very sorry for your loss and are holding the Mitakides Family in our hearts and prayers.

With our deepest condolences,

Gary, Lorraine, Sarah and Chip Nordlinger

Tunes. (Teresa Tracy)

October 30, 2023

Rest gently, Dr. John. We are all better for having worked with you so many years ago. From the bus rides to the Reds games, the office in Cleveland, and celebrating all the birthdays my memories of the office on Valley Street include you. Thanks for enriching our lives.

Dianne Brawley

October 29, 2023

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Gloria Duemling

October 29, 2023

My heartfelt love and condolences for Jane and family. Prayers of comfort for you all. Look to our Lord. He is watching over you.
Love,
Cousin Gloria Jean Colema Duemling

Wanda Dillard Odum

October 29, 2023

Jane I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. I did not know him but from reading his obituary, he was a wonderful man who will be missed by many.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

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Memorial Events
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Nov

11

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Moraine Country Club

Dayton, OH

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