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Mr. Art Danakos
06/21/1955 — 12/25/2014
From West Richland | Born in Nerotrivia Evia Island Greece
Mr. Art Danakos
DANAKOS, Argyrios “Art” (Age 59)
Art, a twenty year resident of the Tri-Cities, passed away December 25, 2014 in West Richland, WA. He was born in the small village of Nerotrivia in Evia, Greece on June 2, 1955. His family in Greece raised goats to make feta cheese while also selling the meat to supply the local village. They survived off the land with a strong family commitment maintaining their life along the Mediterranean Sea.
As Art developed into a man, he joined the Greek Army and was stationed on several Greek Islands. Additionally, Art was an excellent soccer player, hunter, prankster, and an absolute charmer with the ladies. After he finished his military commitment, Art worked at various jobs such as painting, landscaping, construction, and as a driver for a food distributor. Knowing that he could do more with his life, Art decided to pursue the American dream and come to America with nothing but the shirt on his back.
His first job in the States found him working for his cousin as a dishwasher until he eventually learned the trade from the ground floor and then opened his own restaurant. In his 30-year career after arriving from Greece as an immigrant, he built eleven successful restaurants. Two local restaurants, Greek Islands Cuisine and Italiano’s Serious Pies and Pasta, are very successful with his legacy being carried forward by his family.
Art’s proudest family moments were marrying the woman he loved, the birth of his children, the marriage of his sons, and mentoring his family to be successful in the restaurant business.
Art enjoyed cooking a meal (especially seafood) for anyone and everyone. He loved to hunt with his two dogs and good friend Spiro. He loved watching sports with his son Nikos, his friend Pete, and brother Toni. Art made you feel like he was your best friend and had the ability to take over a party with his outgoing personality. He loved to celebrate and dance for any occasion. Art always saw the best in every person. His stories were humorous and his love for life was contagious to everyone in his presence. But most of all, Art was committed to mentoring his children to take on the world like he did.
Art is survived by his loving wife of thirty years, Debbie Danakos; his son, Nikos and wife Nikki Danakos; daughter, Malenna Danakos; son, Tim and wife Jessica Humble; son, Jon Tuttle; brother, Antonis and wife Iris; sister, Toula and husband Kostas; sister, Eleni and husband George; sister-in-law, Donna and Scott McClain. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nikos and Maria Danakos.Viewing will be held Saturday, January 3, 2014 at 1 PM at Einan’s at Sunset Chapel, 915 Bypass Hwy, Richland, with a funeral service to follow at 2 PM also at Einan’s at Sunset Chapel.
Debbie & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Art was a great man and very proud of his family. Rest in peace my friend!
Dear Deb & Family,
My deepest sympathy. I worked for you & Art at the “Old Apollo” as well as being on hand for the opening of the “New Apollo.” There are many great memories & stories from those days. There was the time Art sent Alex to get Papou at the airport, teaching him some “Greek greetings” – that turned out to be things that shouldn’t be repeated. Or the time he had me call his cousin & pretend to be the IRS. Or the time we dug tons of clams & then had to eat them all. Or the night the new Apollo opened & I had to hide the plates to keep him from breaking them all while dancing! I could go on & on. – I’m saddened to hear that he’s gone, but thoughts of him will always bring me a smile. May all of your memories bring Joy and Peace in spite of your sorrow.
P.S. I married a man in the restaurant business, can you believe it?!
Art and his family have created a special place to eat in my neighbourhood. While I didn’t know him personally your restaurant has brought many smiles to our faces with your generous hospitality. Your children will carry on I know in loving memory of their father. Bless you and yours..
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We really enjoyed Art’s smile and sense of humor. Sharing the same ethnic background, we enjoyed his stories and passion for family and great food. We will miss seeing his smiling face and zest for life.
God Bless,
The Dress Family
Ranch & Home
It’s obvious how well loved Art was from his family, friends, and community. He will be rested in peace and always remembered. I pray for his family left with the burden of missing him tremendously. The permanence of it all is heartbreaking. I pray for continued strength during this difficult time. He is always with you. <3
I am so sorry for your loss. His love for food was expressed in both amazing restaurants. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
What a good man. Art will be missed by all. My best wishes to his wonderful and beautiful family. His good will, humor, generosity, and zest for life are role models that will be remembered.
Semper Fidelis,
Jack Drummond
So shocked to see of Art passing- He was a great guy, loved so many people of so many backgrounds. He was not judge mental but always had a funny story about people and situations. He was not one to cross. Loved his cooking of odd delicacies, and trying new things at Apollo Restaurant. Art you were a a great man who will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family- I am so sorry for your loss
Wow its hard to think of you being gone. You were such a caring and honorable man. We all loved. The deep Greek accents. The hard working man who taught his kids well. Wow really just gone. I guess there is a plan for you up in heaven that could not wait. You will truly be missed. You will never be forgotten as your memories live on. We love you ART and can’t believe you gone.
I was so sad to here of his passing, We will miss Him! He was a very special person, it showed by His personality, Encouraging, Positive,and Compassion at everything he accomplished. I will never forget when he invited my sister and I to a barbecue. He roasted a whole Lamb on a spit in his backyard, ( Easter time ). The Family, Relatives,Close Friends,& Neighbors He knew, All joined in for the festivities!! It was wonderful! and for the first time in my life that I saw the men do a Greek Dance!
Very captivating, and so much fun!. He Loved His Family, Enjoyed Life, shared his enthusiasm in his endeavors. I am Thankful to have met Him and His Family. My Heart and Prayers go out to you that God will give you Peace at this time and need.
I will forever remember your smile and laugh! The loved you showed your family was so strong. … I’m glad to have been part of your life and you’ll be forever missed. RIP
Thank you for all the great memories! My childhood was filled with so much fun and laughter because of your dear family. I’m sorry for your loss!
Art is an amazing and hardworking person. We’ve always been impressed by the love and devotion and hard work ethic he has shown to his dear family. His families kindness to us is a wonderful reflection of Art. We are going to miss seeing his face when we frequent our favorite restaurant, The Greek Islands, a wonderful cuisine like non-other in Washington State. We are praying for each of the family members for comfort and strength through this difficult time of adversity and sudden loss.
Guestbook for
Mr. Art Danakos