Dimitrios Konstantinos Kakouras

Dimitrios Konstantinos Kakouras passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on April 7, 2025.

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, VA. They worked in restaurants in York, PA and finally opened the Manor Plaza Restaurant in Lancaster, PA. A few years later, they opened the Stonemill Family Restaurant in Lancaster and then the Kakouras Family Restaurant in New Oxford, PA.

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

In 1995, Dimitri relocated with his family to Spartanburg, SC, 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, leaving an incredible impact on all who knew him. Dimitri was known for his deep love for his family, and his commitment to making every customer feel like they were a part of the family, and many considered him as one of theirs. In 2011, Dimitri was named Citizen of the Year by the Boiling Springs Business Association and then in 2024, he was awarded the Gregory Memorial Award. These were a few of many awards he received by various organizations for his continuous support. His legacy of integrity and kindness will continue to inspire us all.

Dimitri was a member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Spartanburg. He had tremendous faith in the power of prayer and had 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.

Dimitri is survived by his loving wife, Marina Peggy Kakouras; his sons, Konstantinos “Kosta” D. Kakouras (Inman, SC), and Christos D. Kakouras (Boiling Springs, SC) and his wife, Liliana. Dimitri was the proud “Papou” of Dimitri, his grandson named after him. Dimitri is also survived by his oldest brother, Panagiotis D. Kakouras (Whispering Pines, NC) and his wife, Aikaterini; his younger brother, Theofanis D. Kakouras (State Road, NC); Nephews Konstantinos “Kosta” P. Kakouras (Aberdeen, NC), Ioannis “Yianni” P. Kakouras (Robbins, NC), Andreas P. Kakouras (Whispering Pines, NC), Konstantinos “Dean” Kakouras (Somerdale, NJ), and Nieces Golfo “GiGi” Kakouras (Elkin, NC) and Alexandra Kakouras (Elkin, NC). Dimitri had a special place in his heart for his two furry companions Sachi and Zoie who kept him company at home. There is a host of relatives and friends who will cherish his memory.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Ronnie Norris, their neighbor and chaplain with MSA Hospice, for his support as well as the compassionate care from the MSA team in Dimitri’s final days on earth.

Visitation for friends and family will be at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St. Spartanburg, SC. on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 6:00 pm-8:00 PM with a Trisagion prayer service at 7:30 PM. Funeral service will be on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 697 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC followed by interment at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

To honor Dimitri’s admiration for his father-in-law, Maurice E. Colson, a veteran of 3 wars, and respect for all past & present veterans, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Post 200, PO Box 160021, Boiling Springs, SC 29316.

Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel