A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF DIMITRIOS KONSTANTINOS KAKOURAS OF spartanburg AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Dimitrios Konstantinos Kakouras of Spartanburg at the venerable age of 65 on April 7, 2025; and

 

Whereas, Dimitri was born on September 7, 1959, in Karpenissi in the Evritania region of Greece. He was the middle son of Golfo Antonopoulos Kakouras and Konstantinos D. Kakouras. The family immigrated to America in search of a better life and first settled in Pulaski, Virginia. They worked in restaurants in York, Pennsylvania, and finally opened the Manor Plaza Restaurant in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A few years later, they opened the Stonemill Family Restaurant in Lancaster and then the Kakouras Family Restaurant in New Oxford, Pennsylvania; and

 

Whereas, Dimitri met his wife, Marina Peggy Colson, in Lancaster, and after several years they were married in his hometown of Karpenissi. They had two beautiful sons and shared a life dedicated to family and community; and

 

Whereas, in 1995, Dimitri relocated with his family to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where they continued their passion for hospitality by opening the Grapevine Restaurant in Boiling Springs in 2008. His love for the restaurant business was matched only by his dedication to serving his community, and he left an incredible impact on all who knew him. Dimitri was known for his deep love for his family and for his commitment to making all his customers feel as if they were a part of the family, and many considered him as one of theirs; and

 

Whereas, in 2011, Dimitri was named Citizen of the Year by the Boiling Springs Business Association and in 2024 was selected to receive the prestigious Gregory Memorial Award. These are just two of many awards he received from various organizations for his continuous support. His legacy of integrity and kindness will continue to inspire us all; and

 

Whereas, a member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Spartanburg, Dimitri had tremendous faith in the power of prayer and maintained a special love and appreciation for the Holy Monastery of Panagia Proussiotissa, located close to his hometown. This faith had a profound effect on his fight to overcome his health challenges; and

 

Whereas, Dimitri leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Marina Peggy Kakouras, as well as his dear sons, Konstantinos D. "Kosta" Kakouras of Inman and Christos D. Kakouras (Liliana) of Boiling Springs, and he was the proud "papou" of Dimitri, the grandson named after him. Dimitri is also survived by his eldest brother, Panagiotis D. Kakouras (Aikaterini); his younger brother, Theofanis D. Kakouras; a host of other family members and friends; and his two furry companions, Sachi and Zoie, who kept him company at home. He will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Dimitrios Konstantinos Kakouras of Spartanburg and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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