Pandely N Sarakatsannis

Pandely "Panny" Nicholas Sarakatsannis, 84, passed into eternal life on Monday February 12, 2024, at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. He was born to the late Nicholas and Melanthia Sarakatsannis, June 21, 1939, in Covington, KY. Panny had three passions in his life: family, sports, and music.

Panny graduated from Highlands High School in 1957, where he lettered in basketball, baseball, and football. For many years he held the Highlands High School basketball scoring record. His basketball talents earned him a scholarship to Western Kentucky University where he played four years for Coach E.A. Diddle. Following his 1961 college graduation he taught at Campbell County High School and Courter Tech before joining the family business, Dixie Chili. He managed Dixie Chili Covington and Erlanger locations for almost 50 years.

During the decade following college graduation Panny played bass guitar in several local bands, including Driving Winds and Vision, at multiple, popular venues including the Black Orchid in Southgate, Guys and Dolls in Cold Spring, and Cincinnati Gardens. These groups worked with several big acts including the Four Seasons, Beach Boys, Roger Miller, and James Brown. He often spoke about playing music and the tremendous friendships he made with musicians.

Panny married his late wife Judy Sarakatsannis on October 5, 1968, and they raised their three children in Fort Thomas. He and Judy supported their children at countless sports games and swim meets, eventually taking special delight in watching the grandkids do the same.

Panny is a member of the Highlands High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame and the Northern Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.

The family thanks Heaven Sent Care (especially Rhonda) for caring for Panny over the years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brothers James, Leon, George, and Chris. He is survived by his three children; son Greg (Julie) Sarakatsannis of Fort Thomas; daughter Katina Barth of Fort Thomas; son Mark (Stephanie) Sarakatsannis of Independence; brother Spiros Sarakatsannis of Cincinnati, OH; brother-in-law Ron (Debbie) Meyer of Fort Worth, TX; sister-in-law Marcie (Tim) Winter of Melbourne; sister-in-law Marie Sarakatsannis of Fort Thomas and sister-in-law Mary Ann Sarakatsannis-Jenkins of Naples, FL; grandchildren Demetri, Sophia & Eva Sarakatsannis, Zoie & Zachary Barth, and Xarek & Analei Sarakatsannis; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday February 16 at Dobbling Funeral Home, 106 S. Ft Thomas Av, Fort Thomas, KY. A funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm. Interment will be at Floral Hills Cemetery, Covington, KY. The family will hold a reception from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at The Highland Country Club, 931 Alexandria Pike, Fort Thomas, KY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fort Thomas Education Foundation, 2504 Memorial Parkway, Fort Thomas, KY 41075, or to Holy Trinity St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 7000 Winton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224. Online condolences can be given at www.dmefuneral.com. Dobbling Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home Fort Thomas, KY is serving the family.