Dukas Contos, 91, beloved husband, father, uncle, godfather, and friend was called home by the Lord on October 13, 2020 in Fullerton, California. Duke passed peacefully with his family by his side.

Duke was born on April 13, 1929 on the island of Lesbos in the quaint village of Trigona to Paul and Persefone (Geralis) Contos. In 1938 as a young boy, Duke's Father, Paul, migrated to Boston, Massachusetts to work at his brother's restaurant the "No Name" located at the Boston Fish Pier to make enough money to bring his family to the United States. World War II delayed bringing Duke, his mother, and sisters to the United States. During the occupation as a young boy he would have to hide from the Communists in the caves that occupied their island. In December of 1948 they set sail to the United States on the ship Maria Carp. They landed in New York on January 9, 1949. With his Father's picture in hand the family was reunited and settled in Newport, Rhode Island where Duke worked at the Quick Lunch Diner located outside the Newport Navy Shipyard. He was so grateful to be in the US that he gave back by making sure the Navy Sailors were fed well.

At a close family wedding in Boston 1953, Duke met his soulmate Persephoni "Peggy" Stavrakes and they married on May 16, 1954 at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Somerville, Massachusetts where they remained parishioners and brought up their children in the Orthodox Faith.

Duke's devotion and passion was his family. Nothing was as important as providing a good life for his wife Peggy and children Pennie and Paul. He cherished the time he spent with family and friends. He will forever be known for his kindness and sense of humor. He was always ready to have "parea" at the family home.

Duke was famous for his cooking. He worked at Brady's Diner in Watertown, Massachusetts. During that time Duke and his "Duchess" Peggy had two children Pennie and Paul. In 1970, they purchased Giardinas Italian Restaurant in Waltham, Massachusetts. Duke was famous for his Chicken Parmigiana, Baked Stuffed Shrimp and numerous other dishes. No one made potato salad like Duke did. Duke's work ethic did not allow him to rest. In his retirement, he worked at Bentley College part-time in the Cafeteria. His sandwiches were such a popular item, Sodexo offered him his own sandwich bar. He loved being with the students and wanted to make sure they were fed well.

In 2000, Duke and Peggy decided to uproot their life in the Boston area, a region that they absolutely loved and relocated to Anaheim, California to be close to both their children. Duke and Peggy became parishioners of Saint John the Baptist in Anaheim. Duke would share his love for cooking at the church festival and luncheons. Parish life was important to Duke and Peggy.

His other passions were his love of baseball and his beloved Boston Red Sox. He loved Greek Music and in his younger days would often find him dancing a mean Zeibekiko. Sadly, the music stopped for him when his son Paul passed away.

Duke is survived by his daughter Pennie Contos, Sister, Maria (Contos) Tatalias, numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Persephoni, son Paul, parents Paul and Persefone Contos, and sister Penelope (Contos) Dikegoros.

Trisagion will be held at 6 PM on Monday, October 19, 2020 and Funeral Service on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 10 AM at Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 405 N. Dale Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801. Due to Covid 19 the interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Restoration Project, 405 N. Dale Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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