John Aretakis

John Aretakis passed away peacefully on January 8, 2024. He was 97 years old. He is survived by his children Steve (Shelagh), Helene (James) Lionas, Nicholas (Cynthia), Alex (Maria), daughter-in-law Kate; grandchildren Michael (Angelina) Lionas, John (Yuliana) Lionas, Fr. Nicholas (Amanda) Lionas, John (Lauren) Aretakis, Rachel Aretakis, Alexander (Corey) Aretakis, Christopher Aretakis, Ellen Aretakis, Bennett (Leah) Aretakis, Lily Aretakis, Grace Aretakis and James Aretakis; great-grandchildren Demetrios, Nikolas, Lucas, Alexa, Scotty and Eleni; sister-in-law Darlyne Aretakis, and his many loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.
John was predeceased by his wife, Suzanne (Arsman); son James; his parents Theoharis and Eleni (Terezakis); his stepmom Athena, and his six siblings, Catherine (Peter) Manos, James (Mary) Aretakis, Ernest (Emmie) Aretakis, Ethel Poulos, Dolly Daian and George (Darlyne) Aretakis.
Born March 2, 1926, in Detroit to parents who emigrated from Greece, John spent his childhood growing up in Detroit's Greektown, which included working with his siblings at his father's restaurant, the Aktaion Café. He met the love of his life, Suzanne, whom he adored, and they were married for 72-years and raised their five children together.
John was a graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit. He served as a medic in the U.S Navy during World War II. He earned his degree in pharmacy from Detroit Institute of Technology (DIT, now Wayne State). While at DIT he lettered in basketball and swimming. His career in pharmacy included owning John's Drugs in St. Clair Shores.
John was very hard working and incredibly talented and used his many talents to serve his church community and to take care of his family. John and Suzanne were among the founding members of St. John Greek Orthodox Church in Sterling Heights where he served on the church council for many years, including a term as President. John was also an inventive craftsman, always working on projects at the church, as well as building garages with family and neighbors, and remodeling basements for his children.
John picked up the game of golf later in life and enjoyed outings with his sons, grandsons and nephews. He had a great sense of humor right up to his passing. He loved to tease his mother-in-law Demetra, stepmom Athena, his sisters, and his many nieces. He was a hands-on Papou, always full of joy, who loved to play with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, attended countless of their events, and took great pride in their successes. He was also a great friend, and he and Suzanne traveled the world with their friends from his childhood that made up the "Gang."
John was the rock of his family and truly led by example. John had an incredible strength of character and always displayed his love for Jesus Christ, his family and his many friends through his actions. John lived life joyfully and gratefully. He will be greatly missed. May His Memory be Eternal.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church.