"Takis" Ignatios Gaitanoglou

Mr. Ignatios "Takis" Gaitanoglou, 88, of Blue Ridge, Georgia, passed away Sunday, July 10, 2022, at PruittHealth in Blue Ridge, GA. Takis was born June 17, 1934, in Molyvos, Lesvos, Greece to the late Sarantos and Evanthia Gaitanoglou.  

As a child, Takis lived in Athens, Greece during the Nazi Occupation.  He immigrated to the United States in 1961 and met his wife Jenny Xiriches Gaitanoglou.  They married in Copperhill, Tennessee where he helped his father-in-law operate the New York Cafe and Snack Bar.  With the help of many local investors, he built and operated the Fannin Inn Motel and Restaurant in Blue Ridge, Georgia with his late brother, John Gaitanoglou, for 32 years.  Takis loved Blue Ridge and he was a pillar in the community - he helped to launch the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and the first youth soccer program in the region, even acting as one of its first referees.

Survivors include his wife Jenny Gaitanoglou, children and their spouses, Eva Arp of Blue Ridge, GA, Peter and Molly Gaitanoglou of Blue Ridge, GA, Joanna and George Darakos of Pittsburgh, PA; grandchildren, Christina Arp, Christopher Gaitanoglou, Ignatios Darakos and Zoe Darakos; sister-in-law Jane Gaitanoglou of Blue Ridge, GA; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dino and Maria Bouloukos of McCaysville, GA. He is also survived by three, nephews Vassilli and Peter Bouloukos, Sarandy Gaitanoglou and niece Sophia Dearwent.

His favorite pastimes included fishing and photography.  He also loved watching soccer, hockey and the Olympic Games. 

Funeral services:
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM -  3:00 PM at Henry-Cochran Funeral Home on July 12, 2022.  Funeral services will begin at 3:00 PM with Father Stavros Balas officiating.  

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers:  Vassilli Bouloukos, Peter Bouloukos, George Darakos, Christopher Dearwent, Christopher Gaitanoglou, and Sarandy Gaitanoglou.  Honorary paulpallbearersbearers include Bill Prather, John Cochran, Paul Cochran, Ed Howard, and Norma Kaye.

Cochran Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Ignatios S. Gaitanoglou; you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

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