Despina (Gregos) Frangakis

Despina Frangakis

Former Owner of the DeLuxe Restaurant

Despina Frangakis, also known as, “Jean”, or “Mamma” of Reading Pennsylvania passed away on February 1, 2025.

She was born in Chios, Greece on October 20, 1934, a daughter of the late Constantine and Catherine (Vourlos) Gregos.

At the age of 21, she made the trip on the Greek Line Ship, Queen Federica, to the United States to begin a new life in America. Her uncle, Nick Varris, adopted her in 1949; however, it took until July 28, 1955, to bring her to the United States. Life on the island of Chios, Greece was very difficult during and after the war.

Despina worked at her uncle’s restaurant, the Deluxe Restaurant, 343 N.8th street up until she and her beloved husband, John, took over the business. May of 1961, she married the true love of her life, John Frangakis. She worked side by side with her husband operating the diner, which was reestablished in 1982 on Lancaster Pike, Shillington, PA. Her beautiful bright smile was always inviting and warm.

Her greatest love and pride was her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. During the quiet times at the diner, you always found Despina on her stool by the register reading her bible and prayer book.  She loved talking to her beloved customers. She was also a member of the St. Xenia Philoptohos, at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

Despina Frangakis was preceded by her husband John Frangakis of 63 years; and is survived by a son, Isidoros Frangakis, husband of Catherine Faller of Mohnton. Anna (Frangakis) Burkman wife of Darryl Glenn Burkman of Sinking Spring, Two grandchildren Evangelia (Koutroulelis) Gregory wife of Benjamin Gregory, Bethlehem, Stelios Koutroulelis husband of Kaylee (Werner) Kenhorst. Also surviving in Greece is a sister Anthippi Livanou, and two great grandchildren, Alexandros Gregory and Ignatios Koutroulelis.

Our family would like to thank Kel Lee Ryan and Onika Trim for the excellent care they provided for our beloved mother and grandmother. Kel Lee Ryan gave excellent care for seven years, even through covid and other illnesses. We would also like to thank Residential Hospice for its excellent care.

Funeral services on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM from Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 East Wyomissing Blvd, Reading, PA 19611. Father Theodore Petrides, Proistamenos, will officiate. Entombment to follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Exeter Township. Viewings on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 5:00-8:00 at Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., One East Lancaster Ave., Shillington with Trisagion service at 6:00 PM. Additional viewing on Friday from 10:00-11:00 at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Despina’s name to Sts. Constatine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church at the above address. www.kleefuneralhome.com

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