Ernest John Dokimos

Ernest John Dokimos, a first generation American, loving father and great-grandfather, and longtime resident of Sacramento, passed away peacefully in the loving embrace of his wife of 34 years, Kathy, and his adoring immediate and extended family in the early hours of December 8. He was 82. Ernie was born on September 1, 1934 in Sacramento to proud Greek parents John Dokimakis and Helen Xirouhakis, who had made the long voyage to America from their village of Tsi Tsi Fei on the island of Crete. He is survived by his three loving sisters, Mary, Katherine, and Elizabeth. Veteran of the United States Army, Ernie went on to earn his pharmacy degree at Idaho State University, eventually opening his own Sunset Pharmacy in Sacramento in the 1970s. Two of his sons, David and Steven, also became pharmacists, to their father's great pride. Even better, Ernie went on to work with his sons with Steven and his wife Terri at Knott's Pharmacy (the same neighborhood pharmacy where Ernie had worked as a young boy) and with David and his wife Kelly at his Dokimos East Main Pharmacy in Grass Valley. To Ernie's great joy, David's daughter Jacqueline would also go on to become a pharmacist and get to work with her father and grandfather an experience Ernie would enjoy all the way to his passing. Ernie's eldest son John and daughter Catherine also went on to become successful entrepreneurs and business owners like their father, whose beaming smile would always light the room at the thought of their success and happiness. And Ernie's light would shine even brighter in the presence of his 10 adoring grandchildren, Jason, Jacqueline, Andrew, Justin, and Jacob Collin (children of his son David), Joseph, Joshua, and Jacob David (children of his daughter Catherine and her husband Tony), and the youngest, Elaina and Sophia (daughters of his son Steven)... and 9 great grandchildren, Zoe, Nora, Cole, Rhea, Anden, Sebastian, Silas, Castiel, and Riley. In addition to his own immediate family, Ernie was absolutely adored by his 8 nieces and nephews and their children, where annual Easter gatherings at Ernie and Kathy's home have long served as the family anchor a precious time that have always kept bonds vital and enduring, and traditions alive. For Ernie, nothing was more important than this his family for whom no sacrifice was ever too big, and who will never be the same without him. All are welcome to attend religious services as a celebration of Ernie's life. Trisagion Service will take place Tuesday, December 13 at 7pm. Funeral Services will be Wednesday December 14 at 11am. Both services will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 600 Alhambra Blvd. Remembrances in his name can be made to the Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund or the charity of your choice.