Dimitri Kokkino Obituary (1936

Dimitri Kokkino was born on January 10, 1936, in the Greek community of Constanta, Romania, where the values that shaped his life—family, decency, and the dignity of hard work—took root early. His childhood was marked by hardship. Under a harsh authoritarian regime, his family lost their home and belongings. At just 16, after his father was taken to a work camp, Dimitri assumed responsibility for his mother and younger siblings as they were exiled to the remote mountains of Romania. When the family finally returned to Constanta, they had few possessions, but their bond was unbreakable. The connection Dimitri shared with his siblings, Popi and Angelo, remained profound throughout his life, forged in those difficult early years. Dimitri met Elena, the love of his life, in 1957. They married in 1961, building a partnership rooted in respect, commitment, and unwavering devotion. In 1964, seeking freedom and a better future, they made the courageous decision to escape Romania. Their journey took them to Greece and then across the ocean to the United States. They arrived with few possessions but carried everything essential: their love, their infant son, their dreams, and their extraordinary determination. Chicago became their home. For 30 years, Dimitri worked as an electronics technician at Zenith Electronics, often taking on a second shift repairing televisions after long workdays. His work was steady, purposeful, and infused with meaning—every hour spent building a home filled with warmth and stability. His devotion opened doors his children, Andrew and Ioanna, would walk through: college, experiences abroad, graduate school, medical school, and opportunities far beyond what he himself had known. Dimitri did not simply provide; he empowered, supporting his children’s aspirations with quiet, unwavering faith. After retiring in 2002, Dimitri and Elena moved to Eugene, Oregon, to be close to their son's young family, while also spending meaningful time in Greece with their daughter's growing family. They adored their grandchildren and gifted them a deep sense of family connection and countless memories of celebration, joy, and togetherness. Dimitri lived with a quiet dignity that drew people close. Honesty, humor, generosity, and humility were woven into everything he did. He helped anyone he could—never seeking recognition, always guided by instinctive kindness. He remembered birthdays and anniversaries, checked in on friends and relatives, and made people feel valued. He loved music, ouzo, grilling with his son, talking about politics and travel with his daughter, long backgammon matches with his brother, and celebrating his beautiful grandchildren at every milestone. Dimitri was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elena (née Basceanu), whose love and partnership anchored his life. He is survived by his children Andrew (Jody) and Ioanna; his grandchildren Livia, Eva, Eva, Sofia, and Anthimos; his siblings Popi and Angelo; and cherished nieces and nephews. Through them—and through the countless lives touched by his generosity and integrity—his legacy endures. The world is richer for Dimitri Kokkino’s kindness and character. May his memory be eternal. Funeral services were held in Eugene, OR with burial at Westlawn Memorial Park. Chicago-area friends and family are gathering to celebrate Dimitri’s life on a 40-day service of remembrance (Mnimosyno) at 9:30am on Sunday April 26, at St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church, 5946 N. Sheridan Rd. Chicago, 60660. Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.