In the quiet hills of Artemisia, just outside Kalamata, a boy was born on August 26, 1936—one of seven children in a village scarred by war, yet resilient. That boy, Kon Petrakos would go on to become a pillar of the Greek-Australian community in Adelaide: a beloved mechanic, a proud family man, and the embodiment of the Greek virtue of filotimo.
An early life marked by hardship
Kon’s early life in Greece was marked by hardship. He lived through the WII and the Greek Civil War, he even spent time in a monastery after his parents were arrested for their political beliefs. But it was there that his deep connection to the Orthodox faith was nurtured—something that stayed with him for the rest of his life.
As a teenager, Kon trained as a mechanic, and later served in the army, where he gained experience working on vehicles and travelling across Greece. But it was love that would take him across the world.
In 1964, he migrated to Australia to marry Panagiota, whom he first met while fixing machinery on her family’s farm. Like many migrants of his generation, Kon arrived with very little—but carried immense courage, skill, and a dream for a better life.
New Australian chapter
He began his Australian journey working at a Volkswagen dealership in Glenelg, Adelaide. He quickly become a master of the VW Beetle. He and Panagiota settled in Marleston, raised three children—John, Nick, and Helen—and built a life grounded in hard work and core values.
In 1972, Kon purchased Croydon Motors, the business he would proudly run for over 50 years. The workshop became more than just a business—it was his second home. Locals would often drive by late at night and still see the lights on, as Kon worked tirelessly, rarely taking a day off.
“Croydon Motors was his pride and joy,” his granddaughter recalled during his eulogy. “For him, it wasn’t just work; it was his passion.”
Kon’s dedication to his craft was only matched by his love for his family and his community. Known for his trademark moustaki and generous heart, he was widely respected not just as “Kon the mechanic,” but as a man of integrity and kindness.
Throughout Adelaide, the name Petrakos sparked recognition and admiration. People from all backgrounds shared stories of his generosity and strong work ethic. “He was always giving, always helping, and always putting others before himself,” his granddaughter said.
Much work and play
It wasn’t all work—Kon also had a playful side. He was a passionate soccer fan, cheering on Olympiacos and Hellas with a West End Draught in hand. He cherished family traditions, especially annual Father’s Day trips to the Royal Adelaide Show, where he would spoil his granddaughters with showbags and ride the ghost train by their side. And on the dance floor, when a zeibekiko played, Kon danced with joy and pride.
In June this year, Kon was diagnosed with motor neuron disease—a cruel and life-shortening condition. Even in illness, his thoughts were for others. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to MND South Australia, a cause that now carries deep meaning for them.
Kon Petrakos passed away surrounded by the love he had nurtured over a lifetime. His legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, and in the many lives he touched—not only as a mechanic, but as a man who exemplified the values of hard work, generosity, and love.
May his memory be eternal.
Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη.
