Constantine George "Dino" Vlahakis

Constantine George "Dino" Vlahakis

Lebanon, NH - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Constantine George "Dino" Vlahakis, 90, Monday, January 27. 2025. A devoted father, grandfather and friend, Dino lived a life full of passion, adventure and an appreciation for the world he traveled.

Dino was born in Lowell, MA on September 23, 1934. The youngest of three children born to George and Helen (Aggelakos) Vlahakis. He attended Lowell schools and graduated from Lowell High School in 1952. After graduating from Wentworth Institute in Boston, MA, he continued as an assistant instructor and lab assistant in the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering department. He was later employed as an aviation maintenance tech for Four Star Aviation at Tew Mac airport in Tewksbury, MA and earned his FAA private pilot's license there as well. After successfully passing the qualifying tests at Naval Air Station, South Weymouth, MA, he reported to Pensacola, FL for Naval Aviator flight training. He received his commission and gold wings upon completion of advance training at Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas.

His fleet assignment was Patrol Squadron Two (VP-2) based at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Islands, Washington with deployments to Kodiak, Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, flying the Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune patrol bomber. Upon completion of his active duty tour, he returned to the Northeast and flew as a corporate pilot for Eastern Gas and Fuel in Boston and flew in the Naval Reserve unit at South Weymouth, MA. He later flew for Mohawk Airlines based in New York. In 1964, he was hired by Pan American Airways, based at JFK Internation Airport for over 27 years as a flight engineer, copilot and subsequently as a captain on the Boeing 707, Lockheed L1011 and Boeing 747.

His love for flying was not just his profession but his way of life. Whether soaring through the skies or offering rides in his beloved 1941 Stearman biplane, he found joy in sharing the freedom of flight with others. The hum of the engine and the open skies were where he felt most at home, and he delighted in giving others the chance to experience that same wonder.

Dino had an incredible eye for photography, never seen without his camera in hand. He never missed Kate's basketball games after retiring. Always there for support, encouragement and photos. His passion ensured that no moment went unnoticed and no memory went uncaptured. His love for cars, particularly his 1972 Mustang Convertible, attending car shows over New England, with trophies in hand.

He was an active member of his church, St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox, American Legion Post # 22 and committed to his community.

Dino will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and adventurous spirit. His legacy lives on in the countless photographs, the flights he shared, the cars he loved and the many lives he touched.

He is survived by his daughter, Katherine Vlahakis and grandson, Luca Vlahakis, nephew Thomas Belkakis (Donna), nephew-in-law Richard Guillemette and daughter Natalie (Jordan) Denyse. Dylan (Kayla, Eliza, Alex and Matthew) Kane who was like a son.

A viewing will be held at Ricker's Funeral Home, Lebanon, NH on Thursday, February 6, from 4-7 pm. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 7, at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church in Newport, NH at 10 am with interment following at 12 pm at the Veteran's Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 45 Winter Street, Newport, NH 03773 or the American Legion Guyer-Carignan Post #22, 189 Mechanic Street, Lebanon, NH 03766. An online guest book is available to leave a message of condolence for Dino's family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com

Blue skies and tailwinds, Dino – your journey continues beyond the horizon.