John Rackos Obituary

Rackos, John B. Proud Hellene, proud family man, and prominent business member and pillar of the Greek community for over forty years, John B. Rackos, died on December 24, 2004 at 78 years old. Loving husband of Christine (Nickolaou), proud father of William (Elaine), Demetri (Kim Marie), George and Chris, pappou to John Basil, his namesake. Preceded in death by his parents Basilios and Trisevgeni, his in-laws James and Maria Nickolaou, his brothers Christos (Paraskeve), Sotiros (Anastasia), Basilios, his sisters Evangelia (James) Rekounas, Yiannoula (Basilios) Lymberopoulos. Survived by his brother George (the late Triantafele) of Steno, Greece, his sister Georgia (the late Christos) Papanikolaou of Corinth, Greece, brother-in-law of Nick James Nickolaou and family, and Kathryn (the late Gus) Pappageorge and family, uncle and godfather to many. Born, December 12, 1926 in the Village of Louka, Arcadias outside of Tripolis, Greece, serving in the Greek army in the late forties and as an Evzone in the Palace Guard, John B. Rackos emigrated to the United States to Des Moines, Iowa in October of 1957 with a "few nickels" in his pocket, like may Greek immigrants of his era, with the "American Dream" of starting a family and starting his own business. Making his way to Chicago, Mr. Rackos married beautiful Christine Nickolaou (who was 12 years his junior) in June of 1960, daughter of James and Maria Nickolaou. Starting in his father–in-law's well known liquor business, Big Jim's Liquors on South Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL, Mr. Rackos ventured on to become a successful grocery and liquor store owner for many years which ended with Bargain World Super Foods at 8215 S. Kedzie, Chicago, IL where he was for over 25 years. He will most be remembered for his zest for life, tremendous energy, love of people and his love of Hellenism (not to mention his Greek dancing and singing talents). In 1966, together with Dr. Basil Photos, he brought the Greek Evzones from Athens, Greece, to Chicago for the first Greek parade on State Street. He was a life-long member and leader of the Benevolent Society of Louka, the PanArcadian Federation of Greece, AHEPA, and member of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Illinois & Shriners of the Scottish Rite and SS Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church (where he was a cantor). Counting his blessings in America, from the moment he arrived here until his death, he made numerous charitable donations to the school and churches in the Village where he was born and sponsored many children who needed to come to America for medical attention. Father of four sons, William (real estate attorney), Demetri (attorney and CPA), George (sales and marketing executive), and Chris (finance consultant), it was their education and professional accomplishments that gave him his never ending source of pride and happiness. Reflecting on his life, Mr. Rackos' sons say "From the moment we could remember, he was working 7 days a week 16 hours a day at the store (which he joked was the "Greek Union") yet found time to attend social and family gatherings, church, and spend time with his family, always preaching that the most important thing in life is your character, reputation, and integrity, and without that you don't have anything!" "Some people move mountains. Our Dad crossed over them and an ocean in search of the "American Dream". He found it, lived it, and handed it to us. He was our hero".Visitation Monday 4 to 9 pm, Blake-Lamb/Becvar Funeral Home, 11201 S. Harlem, Worth, IL. Funeral Tuesday 10:30 am, from funeral home Blake-Lamb/Becvar Funeral Home to SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 11025 S. Roberts Rd., Palos Hills, IL for 11 am services. Interment Evergreen Cemetery in Evergreen Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the St. John The Damascene Men's Choir or to the Greek Orthodox Church of your choice. For information, (630) 655-1000 or (708) 361-0500. May His memory be eternal.