Thomas Nicholas Leftakes, fell asleep in our Lord on January 12, 2023. Beloved husband of Effie Leftakes nee Angelson. Loving father of Nicholas (Antonia) Leftakes, Dawn (John) Christy, and Dean Leftakes. Proud Papou of Nicole, Michael, Alexis, Melanie, Gregory, Caroline (Chris), James, Andrew (Taylor), Peter, Christopher, and Alex and great-grandfather of Sophia, Grace, and Harrison. Cherished son of the late Nicholas and Joanna Leftakes. Dear brother of Mary (the late John) Laspiza, and the late Steve (the late Doris) Leftakes, and Danas (the late Dee and formerly the late Nancy) Leftakes. Dear uncle, cousin, godfather, and friend of many who will miss him. Tom loved interacting with people and was never happier than when he was engaged in a good conversation. His enthusiasm for life was infectious and he instilled positive energy in all who came into contact with him. He will always be remembered for his radiant smile and no one ever left a conversation with him without a smile on their face. Tom was married to the love of his life for 64 years. He and Effie met through the Orthodox Youth association attending bowling tournaments and dances. In his earlier days, Tom cut a quick step on the dance floor and won the affections of many partners, including Effie, as he danced the nights away. He continued his passion for bowling over many years with the Orthodox men’s association AHEPA. In his early childhood, when economic circumstances were dire, his parents were forced to split up the family for a time in order to make ends meet. He never forgot those days, often worked multiple jobs throughout his career to support his family and their dreams and stressed to all the importance of family sticking together. He was blessed to enjoy a loving family with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who have stuck together. It may have been those challenging early times that instilled in Tom the passion of an entrepreneur who was continuously striving to identify the next business opportunity knocking on his door. He threw himself with gusto into every job he ever had, whether it was running a corner grocery store, delivering bread, serving as a coffee broker, a cigar salesman or a ticket broker. He loved all things Chicago and extolled the virtues of the city he loved to all who would listen. As a diehard Bears season ticket holder, he cherished attending games with his brothers. It was not as well known that Tom was an avid stamp and coin collector. Many knew Tom in one or more of these varied roles, but however we knew him, all agree that he will be missed dearly. Friends and family will meet Monday, January 16, 2023 at 9AM at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 W. Winona, Chicago for visitation, funeral service to follow at 10AM. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Thomas’ name to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church would be appreciated. Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. 847-375-0095.
May his memory be eternal.