John T. Dabakis
November 19, 1952 ~ November 21, 2002
John T. Dabakis, 50, husband of Cathy Lemaster Dabakis of Willowcrest Dr., Hamden passed away at his home Nov. 21, 2002. He was born in New Haven, Nov. 19, 1952 a son of Gregory Dabakis of Hamden and the late Stella Cokotis Dabakis and was a Certified Financial Planner with American Express Financial Advisors of North Haven since 1978. In addition to his wife and father he is survived by three daughters; Jessica Dabakis, Melanie Dabakis and Tracy Dabakis all of Hamden, a sister Betsy Gorecki and her husband Edward of Hamden, two nieces, Melissa and Emily Gorecki, and he was a son-in-law of George and Marilyn Lemaster of Williamsport, OH. Mr. Dabakis graduated from Hamden H.S., Southern CT. State University and had been a professional drummer with the band ''Potpourri''. He coached in the Hamden Father's Girls Softball League for many years. Funeral service will be held at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Monday, Nov. 25, at 11:30a.m. Friends may call at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, Sunday from 5-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be sent to the St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund, 480 Racebrook Rd., Orange, CT 06477 or to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.
Although we’ve only been neighbors for a short time, and actually saw each other only on occasion, we were very fond of John. We will miss him. We had been working really hard to get good enough so we could some day golf with him . Cathy, Jessica, Melanie, and Tracy, we are truly sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do, please don’t hesitate to ask. Debbie and Kathy
Dear Cathy, Jessica, Melanie and Tracy — First I want to say how sorry I am for your loss. I know John loved you all dearly and would want you to be happy going forward. If there is anything I can do to help, whether it be with clients or anything else, please let me know. I have many fond memories of John, too many to list here, but a few that stand out in my mind are: the IDS conferences we attended (especially Hawaii where we ate Mahi Mahi, got a great tan, and had our picture taken with a group of good friends) and Orlando,FL where John & I got into a recording both and made a tape of .Twist & Shout.. I also enjoyed the times we played golf, went clamming with Richie, played tennis, sang .Drummer Boy. at his 40th birthday, and sang a holiday song (along with Richie and Neal)at the IDS Xmas party every year. He was truly a good friend and I will miss him.
Dear Cathy, Jessica, Melanie, Tracy and Mr. Dabakis: I had the pleasure of answering phones for John at the North Haven office for five years. It was five years that I look back on with a smile. John was fun to work with, quick with a joke and full of pride for his family which he loved so dearly. He loved his music and I remember he loved to play golf. He will be very much missed. He touched the lives of everyone he met. He touched mine especially when he came to my brother-in- law\’s wake in support of my husband and I and I will never forget what a caring person he was. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love, Dee
Dear Mrs. Dabakis and Jess, I am sincerely sorry for your loss. I will always remember Mr. Dabakis as a great coach and an awesome, sweet, and caring man.
Dear Uncle Greg and family, We were so sorry to hear the very sad news about John’s falling asleep in the Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. May our Lord God rest his soul where the just repose, where there is no pain, no suffering, no sorry, but life eternal. May his memory be forever.
Dearest Cathy, Our deepest sympathy for a loss of a caring and wonderful husband, father and friend. First we want to let you know if you need any help please do not hesitate to call us (203-467-2460). Rich and I are keeping you and the girls in our prayers. Remember that Earth has no sorrows that Heaven can\’t heal. There are so many warm and wonderful memories I have of John. The most important memory is one of being my mentor. He taught me that work was important, but enjoying family and friends was the most important. Rich and I will miss him. Love, Judy
From nursery school through our years in the Indian Princess Program John Dabakis was a good friend. He always greeted us with a smile and made our experiences in the Montauk Tribe memorable. We will miss him, but never forget his kindness. Our sincerest thoughts and sympathy go to Cathy, Jessica, Melanie and Tracy. Love, Karl, Nancy, Elisa, Nicole and Kristen Zaehringer
How proud John was of his family. He was a loving and good husband, father & friend. He will be deeply missed.
I first met John when he was playing with Potpourri. I’ll miss him.
I was shocked to learn of John’s passing. He was always warm and friendly as an opposing softball coach and when I saw him at SHA swim meets. He was an strong supporter of his daughters’ athletic pursuits but he also spoke about their academic accomplishments when I had seen him at the SHA Honors Ceremony. He was a good man and I hope all 3 girls know how proud he was of them. Take care of yourselves.
I was so shocked and saddened when I read Friday’s New Haven Register. John was a great friend, son, brother and family man. I first met John at SCSU and had the great pleasure of becoming not only his friend but Betsy’s as well. The band days with Potpourri are still some of my fondest memories. All of you…Betsy, Ed, Mr. Dabakis, Cathy and all the girls are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. May you find some peace in knowing that he is in heaven with God and with his mom and they will both watch over all of you…always. With all my love, Col McGuire
I’ll always remember John and daughter Jess at Hamden Father softball games. My daughter, Jenny, and I send our sincere thoughts and sympathy to Cathy and the girls. God Bless
It was great working with John back in the 1980s. I remember the carpet picnics that John had in his office with Cathy and his daughters. He always had a smile on his face and he will be greatly missed.
John was a positive and encouraging softball coach to Lily, and we enjoyed his presence here for the team picnic. He was always a friendly face, to greet about town. Our hearts go out to you all.
John was the greatest and will be missed by many. We will all cherish the great memories we have of him.
May God bless your family. He will be in our prayers. From our family to yours.