Kostas Makris

Kostas Makris, known to his family as “Sonny” and to his friends as “Mack,” passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 86 years old.

Born on January 13, 1939, in Waterbury, Connecticut, Kostas was the beloved son of the late Cornelia and Charles “Pop” Makris. He was predeceased by his sister Anastasia, his sister Athena, his brother Angelo, his brother-in-law Al Betts, his sister-in-law Yunie Makris, and his nephew-in-law Bobby Moore.

Sonny is survived by his loving sisters, Virginia Betts of Wolcott, CT, and Bess Antonakis of Ashland, MA. He will be deeply missed by his nieces and nephews: Christine Makris; Johanna Georgilas and her partner Rob Round; Alby Betts and his wife Stacy; Valerie Doucette; CC Casey and her husband Bob; Aden Makris; and Connie Makris. He also leaves behind his great-nieces and great-nephews: Collin and Sarah Casey, Jason and Evan Georgilas, and Ella Betts. Along with his extended family, Sonny leaves behind many dear friends. His warmth and love extended even to the family dogs, and he will be missed dearly by Mocha, Oreo, Max, Clyde, and Bailey, who brought him joy and companionship.

Sonny enjoyed many adventures with his siblings growing up in Bristol, including building a boat and watching it slowly sink in Cedar Lake. He carried that same sense of fun and adventure throughout his life. He loved sports—golf, basketball, baseball, and softball—and played in the Bristol men’s softball league for many years. He also loved watching Little League, attending countless games over the years, and cheering on the UConn women’s basketball team. A highlight of his golfing life was achieving a hole-in-one in 2020 at 81 years old. He took great pride in teaching his nieces and nephews how to play sports, as well as how to drive. Some of their fondest memories are of trips to the candy store, summers spent together on Cape Cod helping his sister run The Barnacle, and traveling as a family to Greece, England, California, and Arizona.

He worked for many years as a mechanic at Sears and Roebuck, where his love of cars and his skill with engines were well known. True to his generous spirit, he rebuilt Mustangs and gave Christine and Johanna their first cars—gifts that carried his love and craftsmanship with every mile. He also loved old movies, Greek festivals, and time spent with family. He was an active member of the Older Members Association and the Boys Club of Bristol, remaining dedicated to his community throughout his life.

Above all, Sonny was a man of boundless love. He cared for his family unconditionally, and that love was felt by everyone who knew him. His warmth, humor, and kindness will be remembered always.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM. 
Funeral service will begin at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in Peacedale Cemetery. WWW.Dunnfh.com