A most prominent member of Sydney’s Greek community and very well-connected in the city’s upper echelons, Mr Paul Dracakis, who was famous for his jewellery outlets ‘Dracakis Jewellers’, died at the age of 83 last Sunday.
Most famous of his shops was the one in Mosman on Military Rd in the corner with the beginning of Spit Rd.
It was hard for drivers and passers-by not to observe the letter Δέλτα (Δ) as a triangle in a circle, which was the emblem of his business.
Indicative of Mr Dracakis’ well-established connections was his friendship and longstanding support to former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, as Mosman is part of the federal seat, Warringah, which used to belong to the former Prime Minister.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Dracakis, a remarkable man who was not only a loving father, devoted husband, and cherished grandfather but also a true inspiration to all who knew him,” an announcement on the Dracakis Jewellers Facebook page reads.
“As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary soul, let us also celebrate the beautiful life he led and the profound impact he made on each of us. Rest in peace, dear Paul. Your legacy of love and kindness will continue to shine brightly through the lives you touched.”
Mr Dracakis arrived in Australia as a 17-year-old migrant in 1957 from the island of Kythera.
The Greek businessman lived in the NSW Riverina township of West Wyalong upon arriving before moving to Manly, where he opened a delicatessen at 30 The Corso.
He launched his first jewellery shop in Manly in 1980, moving to Warringah Mall in 1986.
In 1987, Mr Dracakis opened his Spit Junction shop front, where he became renowned for his exquisite “Hearts on Fire” diamond jewellery, having later two more stores also in Sydney’s north: Brookvale and Castle Hill.
In addition to his business exploits, Mr Dracakis was a member of the local Liberal party and served as an alderman on Manly Council between 1983-1987.
The shops were closed on Monday August 7 to pay respect to Mr Dracakis.
Mr Dracakis is survived by his wife, Helen, and his four children, Nick, Peter, Theo and Fotini, plus nine grandchildren.
His funeral will be held at St Michael’s Greek Orthodox Church at Crows Nest at 10am on Thursday, August 17.
A subsequent post on their Facebook page from Thursday requested people to forego sending flowers, in favour of donations to Diabetes Australia instead.
“In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask for your contribution to Diabetes Australia to honour Paul’s memory and help those battling this condition. Every donation brings us a step closer to a brighter future. Let’s make a difference together,” the post reads.
