JOHN FRANGAKIS

Former Owner of the DeLuxe Restaurant

John Frangakis of Reading Pennsylvania passed away on May 3, 2024. He was born in Chios, Greece on September 29, 1933, a son of the late Isidoros and Anna (Moutafis) Frangakis. At the age of 21, after serving as a Merchant Marine he came to the United States to begin a new life in America. He came to live the American dream and with hard work he accomplished it.

He was a very positive person whose upbeat personality just lit up any room he walked into. John started his restaurant career in Orange New Jersey, and even worked at the Waldorf Astoria as a chef.  May of 1961, he married the true love of his life, Despina Vourlos. Soon after he established the DeLuxe Restaurant in 1963 at North 8th Street in Reading Pa. His dream was to own and operate a diner which was accomplished 1982 on Lancaster Pike, Shillington, PA. He enjoyed dabbling in real estate and one of his purchases was the Days Inn located in Shillington.

Beyond all of his achievements, he enjoyed chanting in the Greek Orthodox church especially at Easter. He enjoyed teaching history and the Orthodox religion to those who were interested in listening to him.  He loved talking with his beloved customers and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of his greatest joys was taking his grandchildren back to his homeland and showing them all of the sites on the mainland and a cruise of the islands. He was also a member of the Ahepa and a lifetime member of the Masons and Rajah Shriners.

John is survived by his wife of 63 years Despina Frangakis; a son, Isidoros Frangakis, husband of Cathern 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 are two sibling’s sister Zoe Sambarthes and brother Stephanos Frangakis. Also surviving are 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 our beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Kel Lee Ryan gave excellent care for six years, even through covid and other illnesses. Kel Lee was more than a care giver; she accompanied John to all of the family celebrations.

Viewing from Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., One East Lancaster Ave., Shillington on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 7:00-9:00 PM. Tresagion service at 8:30 PM. Additional viewing on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 AM followed by his funeral service at 11:00 AM from Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. Fr. Theodore Petrides, Proistamenos, will officiate. Entombment in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Exeter Township. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in John’s memory to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at the above address. www.kleefuneralhome.com

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