John Maurakis

John Peter Maurakis, 104, of Danville, passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018 at Brookdale Danville Piedmont Senior Living.    Born on December 11, 1913, in Archanes Crete, Greece, he was a son of the late Peter George and Irene Gergeritakis Maurakis. He and his mother came to this country when he was three years old to join his father who was already here.    On June 29, 1939, he married his wife, the late Ida Robanos Maurakis.    He was a member of St. Peter’s Greek Orthodox Church where he served in numerous capacities. John owned and operated the Gold Leaf lunch restaurant most of his working years serving great food. He loved music, especially opera and music from his beloved Greece. He loved to paint with oil paints and he produced many works of art, some of which he won awards for. He was always interested in the sciences, nature and all of the cosmos. John was also an avid beekeeper and part-time farmer.    He is survived by his three sons, Peter John Maurakis, Michael John Maurakis and Gregory John Maurakis (Vicki); nine grandchildren, Chris Maurakis, Jonathan Maurakis, Tiffany Joseph, Elliott Maurakis, Justin Adkins, Michael Lee Maurakis, Stephanie Ducatte, Jason Maurakis and Damian Maurakis; and nine great-grandchildren.    The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring staff at Brookdale Senior Living for taking such great care of John.    The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 from 6:30 until 7:30 P.M. at Townes Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Peter’s Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.    Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Greek Orthodox Church, 116 Jefferson Ave., Danville, VA 24541 or to the Danville Life Saving Crew, 202 Christopher Lane, Danville, VA 24541.