Yiannis S. Saroukos

In Loving Memory of Yiannis S. Saroukos
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Yiannis S. Saroukos, age 78, of Denver, Colorado, who passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He faced every challenge with grace and strength.
Yiannis was born on December 7, 1946, in Kalymnos, Greece, to Spiros and Nomiki Saroukos. A devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandparent, sibling, and friend, and kind soul to all who knew him. Yiannis touched many lives with a warm heart and generous spirit.
After the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife Despina, he wholeheartedly embraced the role of both mother and father, raising his children with unwavering strength, love, guidance, and devotion of two parents in one heart.
He worked tirelessly for his children, working relentlessly in the restaurant industry, pouring in long hours and hard work to support and provide for his family. Despite the long hours, he always made God and church a priority for his family, keeping his Greek Orthodox faith at the center of his life.
He was happiest when he spent time with his beloved grandchildren, especially playing soccer outside with them. On cold days, he loved snuggling on the couch with his grandchildren and watching movies, sports, and TV, especially WWE Wrestling. He would even FaceTime with his grandchildren in Greece to brag about his favorite sports team, the Atlanta Braves, and chat about their week. He brought joy, care, and a sense of belonging to everyone he interacted with. Meeting him was a true blessing, and his warm smile is something that everyone who knew him will always remember.
Yiannis is preceded in death by his wife, Despina, of blessed memory, and his parents, Nomiki & Spiros Saroukos, of blessed memories. He is survived by his children, Irene Saroukos, Nomiki (Yianni) Bitzanakis, and Pantelis Saroukos; and his grandchildren Savvina, Despoina, & Rinoula Kougkra and Niki, Andonis, & Yiannis Bitzanakis. ; brother of Kostas (Dionyssia of blessed memory) Saroukos; Giorgios Saroukos of blessed memory; Theokliti (Pantelis) Amorginos; Tassia (Andrea of blessed memory) Vigliaris; Popi (Manoli of blessed memory) Korfia; Maria & Sakilari Marinou of blessed memories. Loving God-father to Valentou Marinou; and Beloved in-law to John & Niki Bitzanakis and family.
Yianni's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him. We could not have asked for a better parent, grandparent, sibling, and in-law, and we will miss him every day.
Trisagion and Funeral will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 9:30am at the Assumption of Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral located at 4610 E. Alameda Ave. Denver, CO 80246. Interment at Fairmount Cemetery. Makaria immediately after at Charlie Brown's Bar and Grill (980 Grant St. Denver, CO 80203).