Search by Name

Search by Name

Arthur Dukakis Obituary

Arthur G. Dukakis raised in Lowell, honored for public service WELLESLEY Arthur G. Dukakis, of Wellesley, Massachusetts sadly departed from our earthly home to enter a heavenly one on Wednesday, July 1st. The dearly loved husband of Patricia Laganas Dukakis. Arthur treasured his childhood years in Lowell, MA. He graduated from Clark University and pursued his graduate studies at George Washington University. A veteran of our United States Army, Arthur began his government career with the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer. He served in various diplomatic posts abroad and in Washington where he worked in the Public Affairs office of the then Secretary of State John Foster Dulles. Following this tour of duty, he became the assistant to the Dean of the Foreign Service Institute, the training branch of the State Department. He served at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece and at the Consulate in Thessaloniki, Greece. As a State Department public servant, he facilitated the immigration of persons to the United States, sought their employment and fostered the privilege of proudly earning their citizenship in our United States. Following his tenure with the State Department, Arthur joined the Department of Commerce in Washington. He worked with the Census Bureau and was assigned the position of Regional Director in Boston overseeing census operations in the Boston region comprising of New England, upstate New York and Puerto Rico. He was recognized for his years of outstanding service with the Department of Commerce and his leadership of an unprecedented five censuses. He received the greater Boston Federal Executive Board's first Lifetime Achievement Award, and in Washington, he was the recipient of the Gold Medal, the highest award for excellence. Working as a public servant gave him many rewards that can not be measured. His years of tenure have been rich in experience. He met challenges, experienced many changes, gradual and also radical, innovations and advances. He enjoyed many passions his career was one of dedication, excitement, respect, pride, and love for our country, and the respect for the capable people who surrounded him. He had a passion for Greece, the country of his heritage and ancestry, the country which, for him nurtured his love for her people, language, culture traditions and music. His passion for quietly helping people both professionally and personally nurtured his soul. He had an exuberance for life, for family, for his friends whose friendship he cherished. His home in Kennebunkport, Maine delighted him with summer days of joy, tranquility, relaxation, a welcomed respite from schedules and a time to be a "happy chef". He enjoyed serving his community as: President of his beloved Saint Demetrios Church; President of the Maliotis Cultural Center; Trustee of the American Farm School; An Archon of the Order of St. Andrew of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; A Mason of the Massachusetts Lodge 5770. He held membership in the Alpha Omega Council, the Athens Chapter of the Ahepa, The Hellenic Square and Compass Club. Arthur, cousin of the former Governor Michael Dukakis, is survived by his wife, Patricia, his brother, Stratos and his wife, Eva of Chelmsford; many cherished cousins and dear friends, near and far. He will be sadly missed by his loving sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary, Olga and Tula Laganas of Lowell, Theda and George Triantafel of Andover, George S. George of Needham, Charles Sarantos of Lowell; and his nieces and nephews. DUKAKIS Visiting hours on Monday, July 6th at St. Demetrios Church..57 Brown St., Weston, MA from 4 to 8 o'clock. Funeral on Tuesday, July 7th at St. Demetrios Church at 10 o'clock in the morning. Friends and Family are kindly invited. Interment at Westlawn Cemetery, Lowell, MA. If you wish, expressions of sympathy may be directed to: The Arthur G Dukakis Memorial Fund at, St. Demetrios Church, 57 Brown St., Weston, MA 02493 or The Friends of the Maliotis Cultural Center, P.O. Box 300189, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 or The American Farm School, U.S. Office, 1133 Broadway - Suite 321, New York, NY 10010. To send a letter of condolence to the Dukakis family gfdoherty.com. Arrangements by George F. Doherty & Sons, Wellesley.

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

Published by Lowell Sun from Jul. 3 to Jul. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Dukakis

Not sure what to say?





Andrew Stith

July 18, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Dukakis loved being Regional Director for the Bureau. He served his Country well. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Eleni Kelakos

July 8, 2009

Patty, I am heartbroken to hear about Arthur. I know he was the love of your life, and that you were the dearest of companions. I so enjoyed every minute of the time spent with him, sharing good food and good stories. I will always remember his joy and his enthusiasm. I only wish I was within hugging distance of you, my dear friend. Instead, I will have to settle for sending a big hug and much love through cyberspace.

George Kelakos

July 8, 2009

Arthur was a wonderful man. I just heard about his passing today and am still dealing with the shock. My sister Eleni and I have fond membories and we will always remember his smile!

Nancy (Centrella) Munger

July 6, 2009

Mr. D. was a kind and decent man. He genuinely cared about the people who worked for him. He had a zest for life that is rare. I was saddened to hear of his passing. My prayers are with you.

Peter Fenerlis

July 6, 2009

So sorry to hear of Arthur's passing, he will be missed.

Fiona Barr

July 6, 2009

Dear Patty,

I am so sorry for your loss. You know it was my very sincere pleasure to have had the opportunity to help care for Arthur in our hospital, and to get to know you and your sisters. I wish you peace and much love.

Fiona

Kathy Goss

July 5, 2009

To Mr D's Family:

To Patti , his dear wife; I am so sorry for your loss.I loved him as a friend ,even though I was an employee and he was the boss in thr Boston Office of thr Census Bureau. We shared some great conversations during my employ . He was always pleasant to me.
God Bless you in your sorrow

July 5, 2009

Dear Patti,

Though many years have passed, I remember both you and Arthur most warmly; my heart aches for your loss.

With Love and Light,

Stacy Mavrelis

Dr. Charles Mitsakos

July 5, 2009

I was very sorry to learn of Arthur's passing. His loss must be very difficult for all of you. As you know. the Greeks who have words for everything, have a special prayer for a time such as this: May the memory of our dearly departed Arthur, who is worthy of blessedness and eternal memory, be with us now and forever and ever.

Arthur & Tina Papas

July 5, 2009

Dear Patti:
Tina and I mourn with you this great loss to you, to your friends and to the community at large. May we all remember him often.
Love,
Arthur and Tina Papas

Arthur and godson John at christening

John, Debbie, Blake, Richard, and Shane Chakalis

July 4, 2009

Patti, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have fond memories of visiting you and Arthur during our trips to Boston when I was younger. Though our meetings grew more distant in the past few years, I always cherished the time we did see each other.

Arthur always had a smile on his face, and I was blessed to have his as my godfather. He will be missed.

Walter and Angel Broadnax

July 4, 2009

We are sorry to hear of Art's death. His dedication to and love for his God, family, country (both native and abroad), and friends will always be remembered. May your memories comfort you.

Jean & Jack Primack

July 3, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Hal and Carolyn Wood

July 3, 2009

Thank you, Mr. D, for the opportunities, wisdom, and knowledge.
Patti: if God needs a guy to take charge, he won't be idle for long.

Catherine Osler

July 3, 2009

Mr.D was a good man, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. He was "fun" to work for at the Census Bureau. Remember the good times you shared, my hope and prayers are with you for peace and a recovery in your heart from your loss.
Catherine Osler

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Arthur Dukakis's name

Memorial Events
for Arthur Dukakis

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Arthur's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Arthur Dukakis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more