Photo courtesy of Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel - Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Jun 27, 1934 – Nov 3, 2023
Constantine “Gus” Dukas, 89, of Wilmington, NC, fell asleep in the Lord on November 3, 2023 at The Commons At Brightmore.
He was born in Sparta, Greece, on June 27, 1934, the son of the late Christos Doukas and Antonia Rigakou Doukas.
Surviving are three daughters, Antonia Ioannou and husband Yiannis, Debbie Dias and husband Tony, and Christina Wetherington and husband Mickey; seven grandchildren, Lexi Dias Murphy and husband Ian, Christian Dias, Helena Ioannou, Dino Ioannou, Dimitri Ioannou, Niko Wetherington and Christopher Wetherington; also surviving are brother-in-law, Constantinos Malahias and brother-in-law, Jimmy Gountas.
Gus grew up in the village of Gorani, just outside of Sparta, with his six siblings, Evangelia, Potoula, Marigoula, Bessie, Georgia and Panagioti, all of whom preceded him in death. The family immigrated to America where Gus completed his education in Ithaca, NY. He proudly joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He then married Nota Zafirakopoulou in Greece in 1959 and then moved to New York City. He and Nota had three daughters and lived in Astoria, where along with his sister Bessie, and brother Pete, owned and operated the famous Blossom Coffee Shop in Manhattan. In 1973, Gus moved his family to Wilmington, NC where he and his wife owned and operated the White Front Breakfast house and later also opened Maccumber Station Restaurant. He became an active member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church community and was elected and served as treasurer of the Parish Council. He was an avid hunter, expert marksman, loved fishing and his weekly poker games. He retired and sold the business to his daughter and son-in-law in 1994. Gus worked hard in the restaurant business for most of his life and succeeded in putting all three of his daughters through college. Gus (also lovingly known as Kosta and Pappou) was a loving father, Grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family will receive friends and family from 1-2pm, Thursday, November 9, 2023, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wilmington. Funeral services will begin at 2pm, immediately following visitation. Burial will follow in Oleander memorial Gardens.
Those wishing to send flowers are invited to do so. Donations may also be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, USO or Fraternal Order of Police
MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL
Read MoreI ate at White Front for many years! Gus was always so friendly - the food was WONDERFUL! Many wonderful memories of going there after church on Sundays, taking friends there
Judy Pirter
November 09, 2023 | Wilmington, NC
Gus was an amazing person. I graduated with his daughter Christina New Hanover High School 1987. I always enjoyed my conversations with Gus at White Front or Greek Festival’s over the years. I made numerous stops at The White Front for incredible breakfast during my high school days and into my adulthood. I can see him drinking a cup of coffee in Heaven. Thank You Gus, My thoughts with each family member of course Christina. In Loving Remembrances
Ricky Meeks
November 08, 2023 | Wilmington, NC | Friend
My condolences to the Dukas Family. Gus and I were friends for fifty years, we enjoyed many good times together hunting and at the Whitefront Restaurant. I will always remember his generosity, kindness, and his great work ethic. May he rest in peace.
William Batuyios
November 07, 2023 | WILMINGTON
"In loving memory of our dear friend, Gus Dukas.
Gus was not just a good friend and family to me; he was a beacon of support and wisdom. His journey through 89 years of life has left an indelible mark on all of us that worked with him and had the opportunity to know him well.
I can personally attest to the profound impact Gus had on my life. When I immigrated to the United States, he extended his hand in friendship and support, helping me navigate the challenges of a new beginning....
Gus Plagianis
November 06, 2023 | Anderson, SC | Family
Gus, I can say, was a friend that I enjoyed talking to. My father and I, have been Whitefront patrons for quite some time. My father loved his red eye gravy back then. I continued to go by Whitefront after my father passed. I met Gus one day when his daughter was concerned about his health, after he'd had just eaten. After checking Gus in his car, I recognized he was having a cardiac event and called ems. Sure enough he did and that was the start of our friendship. Gus and I would meet...
STEVE CAMLIN FIRE CHIEF
November 06, 2023 | RIEGELWOOD, NC | Friend
I love you and I will miss you. Thank you for being the best dad in the world, and best pappou on the planet
Antonia Ioannou
November 06, 2023 | Wilmington, NC | Daughter