Daniel P. Zakos

Daniel P. Zakos, 84, born in Vouno Tegeas, Greece; Beloved husband of Toula (nee Pipikios). Devoted father of Angela, Peter (Helen), Niki and Ann Marie. Cherished Papou of Danny and Deme Zakos-both the apple of his eye.
Loving son of the late Panayiotis and Evangelia Kyriazakos. Dear brother of Anastasia (the late George) Kolovos, George (Kathy) Zakos, the late Vasiliki (the late Gregory) Grigoropoulos, the late Elias (Chrisoula) Kyriazakos, the late Nick (Becky) Zakos. Esteemed son-in-law of the late Nicholas and Panayiota Pipikios. Dearest brother-in-law of Vasso (the late Jerry) Katsogianos, Jean (George) Haralampopoulos, and Joanne Pipikios. Cousin, uncle, and friend to many.
Danny Zakos lived the quintessential 'American Dream.' Arriving in Ellis Island, on his own, as a twelve year old boy, charting a three week voyage on the Nea Hellas passenger ship, he settled in Des Plaines, IL with his aunt and uncle.
It should be noted that Danny worked alongside Ray Kroc at the original McDonald's in Des Plaines, IL as a teenager. An alumnus of Maine Township High School, Danny, Class of 1959, still holds five track and field records. Attending a full-ride scholarship to Furman University, circumstances changed where he found himself at the Illinois Gas Company in their business department. Drafted into the U.S. Army, Danny served his country for two years in Wurzburg, Germany.
One of the original owners and operators of Sunmist Restaurant in Addison, IL, Danny left no stone unturned. Danny loved the beach, where he spent 28 years snowbirding in Clearwater Beach, Florida with his family. An avid sports fan, Danny loved the Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls.
His passion for gardening-his tomatoes and roses lifted his spirits and were gifted to many.
Rest in heaven. Danny's courage and strength will live on in all those that he touched.
Visitation, Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until time of Funeral service 10:30 a.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 893 N. Church Rd. Elmhurst, IL. 60126. Interment will follow at Arlington Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to St. Demetrios Church in Elmhurst, Illinois. Arrangements by NICHOLAS M. PISHOS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, LTD. (Hellenic Funeral Service), Info: 847-833-9522