Dean "Dino" Nicholas Syracopoulos

Dean Nicholas Syracopoulos, Papou, aka Dino , age 81, was peacefully reunited with his beloved wife on August 1, 2023. Born in Hamilton, Ohio, Dean spent much of his childhood in Akron. After graduating from Buchtel High School in 1960, he went on to complete his education at the University of Pittsburgh in 1964. Later, he would become a power plant boiler operator at Ohio Edison and a proud member of the Utility Workers Union Local 126. Second to his kindness, Dean’s intellect was one of his most notable characteristics, but it was his love for travel that catapulted him into a life of adventure living around the world. From New York to New Mexico - a home away from home, Northern California, and even throughout Africa. Dean’s early life story was one that most of us could only dream of, read about in a book, or see depicted on the big screen. Inspired by the classic film The Wild One, Dean’s preferred mode of transport was a motorcycle, his deepest passion writing, his most treasured sport boxing, and he could even play a soulful harmonica from time to time.

But, the greatest love of his life was Mary Lou, the woman he attributed to “saving his life,” his wife of 37 years before her passing in 2018. Also preceded in death were his parents, the cherished Nicholas and Katherine (Phillies) Syracopoulos, pillars of the Akron Greek community. Dean is survived by his sister, Thalia Syracopoulos, his son, John (Ellen) Syracopoulos, his daughter, Katie (Garret) Conley, his grandsons, Leonidas, George, Gunnar and Killian, along with his nephew, Costa (Ariadne) Singer, many cousins, their children, extended family, his New Mexico family, and dear friends. His son and daughter would like to extend a very special thanks to Phillip and Alex Syracopoulos, Margie Ritter, Jimmy Vuduris, Ken Krutky and his nurses Lori, Treana and Beth for all of their support and assistance in Dean’s final years. Many thanks and appreciation are also given to the wonderful Anders Eskesen and Valerie Swank, as well as Ann and Sam Messina, for their amazing neighborly support. Dean’s colorful imagination, photographic memory, unbelievable stories, warm eyes, sweet laugh, and kind smile will continue to live on in our cherished memories.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 10th, from 5pm to 7pm at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., where a Trisagios service will be held at 5pm. Funeral services will be Friday August 11th, at 10am at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union St., Akron, 44304 with Father Dean Kokanos and Father Nick Manuel officiating. Interment at Mount Peace Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haven of Rest ( www.havenofrest.org ), The Salvation Army ( www.salvationarmyusa.org ) or Meals on Wheels  in Dean’s memory.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333.