About
Harry Zrakas Obituary
He was born in Wilson, N.C., on Dec. 14, 1931, the son of Thomas J. and Sophia Zrakas. He had served in the U.S. Army and was a graduate of Duke University. He was the proprietor of the Village Golf Shop in Niantic.
Mr. Zrakas was a member of the Bay View Lodge of Freemasons in Niantic where he was a past master.
Harry was a kind and fun loving gentleman. He always smiled, had a nice word for and about everyone, and had immeasurable patience and understanding. He never complained. If anything bothered him, he would just sing.
His passion in life was golf. He was a carpenter, restaurateur, gardener, golf club maker, and dedicated dad. He raised his children with unconditional love and with respect. He loved his Scotch (in a Dunkin Donuts cup). He asked every woman if he could give her a kiss and always had a pocket full of Hershey kisses, just in case. For all the men, he gave a very strong handshake. He always asked everyone, "How's business," even at the hospital. Such a ray of sunshine, leaving smiles everywhere he went. Harry enjoyed life.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Michelle Sophia, Thomas James, Zoe, Lawrence and Cheryl Budlong; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Jimmy and Charles Zrakas.
Calling hours are from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Bay View Lodge of Freemasons or Hospice Southeastern Connecticut.
Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com for directions, to leave a condolence message for the family, or to view Mr. Zrakas' online video tribute.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Spence & Sue Williams
March 26, 2011
Michelle,
We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad...
Our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Your happy memories will help you through this sad time.
May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.
March 22, 2011
Harry will be missed. Whether in the golf shop or in Lodge, you could always depend on him for a good story! Skip Saunders
Debbie Ott/Payne
March 20, 2011
Gram,
Im so sorry for your loss. Gramps was the only grandfather I knew. I will miss him tons. Im keeping you in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Gramps will always hold a special place in my heart. He and my dad are now soaring with the angels above.
Love you always Gram
Love, Your Granddaughter Debbie
Kyla Appnel
March 20, 2011
Harry I will always love and miss you. Sometimes I hear you call out to me late at night and keep me from becoming lonely. I'll even treasure when you called me your granddaughter.
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Kyla Appnel
March 20, 2011
I love you Harry. Even though we weren't related you always liked to call me your grandchild.
Kristen Stehle
March 20, 2011
Kyla and Teagan will miss visiting and talking with him. Kyla says "he called me his granddaughter." He was always so sweet to us. Our prayers are with him and your family Michelle.
March 20, 2011
Dear Betty and family, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. "Uncle Harry" was a kind hearted and genuine man. We loved him and he will be missed.
Pano&Linda Woviotis
Boca Raton,Florida
Gary Littlefield
March 19, 2011
God Bless you Harry. You were a good brother Master mason.
Greg Goodspeed
March 19, 2011
I will miss Harry, he was a great guy- he made my golf clubs. He was a fun guy to talk to.
Renee Vogt
March 19, 2011
To know him was to love him. We will miss you Harry.
Renee, Frank & Ree Linn
Rit Manthous
March 19, 2011
I was deeply saddened to read of the passing of Harry. We shared many good golf games and stories together. He made many of my first woods. I will miss him. May his memory be eternal.
ROBIN WORRALL MELSON
March 19, 2011
Dearest Betty and family..our heart felt prayers go out to all of you .He was a wonderful person and wil be sadly missed rest n peace my friend
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