Gregory G. Demetrakas

of Cranston, RI passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 9, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his earthly guardian angel and wife of 62 years Anna M. (Rafaelian) Demetrakas. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Michael and Victoria (Nikolou) Demetrakas of Mytilene, Greece. He was so proud to be born in America, where he was given freedom and opportunities that his parents did not have.

His was a true “rags to riches” success story, establishing and owning several businesses—most notably City Metal Co. Inc., where he was CEO for 36 years.

As an active member and supporter of his church on both local and national levels, he was profoundly proud of his Greek heritage and similarly dedicated to his Orthodox religion

In his 84 years on earth, his generosity was so tremendous that it moved poet George Trambukis to honor him with the following words, which we feel sum up his spirit.

Some people are born to the purple

And some inherit their wealth.

Some hoard their money

And worship it with their life.

While others give of their money to even out the strife.

Such a one is Gregory Demetrakas; a true Philanthropist,

Who gives of his fortune as would a true evangelist.

He pulled himself up by the boot straps

And amassed his wealth through hard work and toil.

He was not afraid to dirty his hands

And worked long hours to achieve this stand.

Once he reached the pinnacle of his success

He didn’t forget his humble beginnings nor those who are in distress.

He didn’t hoard his hard-earned money

And pray that it would grow and bring him greater success,

But gave of his money generously

For any cause or needy charity most liberally.

He greeted rich or poor with equal respect

With a hearty hand-shake and no disrespect.

He went out of his way and shunned no one,

And greeted everybody for a job well done.

Gregory Demetrakas is then such a man

Always ready to extend a Philanthropic hand.

He didn’t worship his wealth; for Gold is not his God,

But gave to worthy causes to help the downtrod.

He takes pride in the home of his ancestors

And sponsors many projects and helps in their endeavors,

And when disaster or calamity alights

Demetrakas sends aid to lessen their plight.

He is a bulwark, a pillar of hope

Who extends a helping hand to those who cannot cope.

He is a benefactor of this Orthodox Church and faith

And though he’s humble and dislikes praise,

He cannot possibly escape unscathed

For his deeds are all recorded and in the open

For all to see and duly written.

He is a Philanthropist in every sense of the word

And his charities and gifts are everywhere heard.

He is the first to honor his compatriots in word and deed

And in his Hellenic culture his pride exceeds.

Thus Demetrakas is a Philanthropist of the highest repute

And this statement no one, but no one, can refute.

He was the devoted father of Marianne Demetrakas Janigian and her husband Dr. Robert, of Cranston, RI, Gregory M. Demetrakas and his wife Paula, of Warwick, RI, Alexis Demetrakas Buchholz and her husband Kirk of Woodstock, GA, and Michelle Demetrakas, of Santa Monica, CA. He was the loving Papou to Christopher, Nicholas, Matthew, Michael, Gregory A., Caroline, Sophia and Michelle. He was the loving brother to the late Helen (Eleni) Tsapakos and Tula (Arete) Pappas. He was the fun and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

VISITING HOURS are TUESDAY, April 18th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the ANNUCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 175 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston, with a FUNERAL SERVICE on WEDNESDAY, April 19th at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Swan Point Cemetery, Providence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Annunciation Church Endowment Fund, 175 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920; St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center, 329 Camp Merrimac Road, Contoocook, NH 03229; University of Rhode Island, Gregory & Anna Demetrakas Scholarship Fund, payable to URI Foundation, P.O. Box 1700, Kingston, RI 02881, with a note in the memo line; or The McAuley Ministries, 622 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907.