Obituary: Panagiotis Daniel Gyftakis

Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Panagiotis Daniel Gyftakis

“Pete”

Panagiotis Daniel Gyftakis, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 29, on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at his home in Covington, KY. Panagiotis was born in St. Louis, MO, on June 28, 1991, the only son of Athansios and Christine Marie (nee Villagran) Gyftakis. Raised and educated in the Joliet and Plainfield area, he was a Class of 2010 graduate of Plainfield Central High School, where he played baseball and ran track. He attended Joliet Junior college and then received his welding degree from ETI School of Skilled Trades in Burr Ridge, IL. He spent four years in Dallas, TX before relocating to Kentucky where he was currently employed as a machine operator with Saint Bernard Soap Company.

Panagiotis enjoyed taekwondo, gaming, listening to music, hanging with his friends, and playing bass. He loved the ocean and was intrigued by sharks. A sports fan through and through, he was a diehard St. Louis fan: the Cardinals, the Blues, and the Rams. Above everything else in life, he was the most proud of being a father to his son Daniel. Family was always important to him, which was evident by the close bond he shared with his sister, Ekaterina. Panagiotis had a contagious smile that lit up an entire room. He will live on in the hearts of everyone he knew.

Panagiotis is survived by his son, Daniel Athansios Gytakis; his parents, Athansios and Christine Gyftakis; sister, Ekaterina Marie Gyftakis; grandmother, Mary Shoback; aunts, Jennifer Shoback and Kathy (Jeff) Kogler; numerous cousins; and his close friends, Ben Conley, Tommy Robertson, Matt Kent, Josh Hosley, Alex Barrowman, David McCord, and Jacob Miller.

He is preceded by his paternal grandparents, Panagiotis and Victoria Gyftakis; his maternal grandfather, Daniel Villagran; and his girlfriend of more than four years, Chelsea Ervin.

Visitation for Panagiotis Daniel Gyftakis will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL. In accordance with the Illinois guidelines, face masks are required and social distancing will be observed.

Funeral Services will be held privately with the family. The family has requested to live stream the services on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. Please click on this link (https://youtu.be/hRBNg31HNLA) and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers and connection are. Cremation Rites will be accorded following the services.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com

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