Lakis Florakis, known as “Lucky” by most, age 91, passed away peacefully at home in Williamsburg, VA on September 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Lucky was one of those rare people who made the people he met feel cared for and comfortable. Born in Karpenisi, Greece as Triantafyllos Demetrios Florakis to Demetrios and Ekaterina Florakis in 1934. Lucky was the youngest of five children. His siblings, Angeliki, Elektra, Konstantinos and Alexandra preceded him in death and one nephew, Demetrios Panagiotopoulos and one niece, Katherine Protogyrou preceded him in death.
At age 15, Lucky immigrated to the United States to live in Greensboro, North Carolina to live with his cousin. He left Greece to escape the communist uprising and find work so he could send money home to his family. His cousin had a restaurant in Greensboro and taught Lucky everything about restaurants and the hospitality industry.
When Lucky was 18, he joined the U.S. Army and when his tour ended he came to Williamsburg, VA to attend a friend's wedding. He discovered a place that he liked very much and knew people from his hometown in Greece and decided Williamsburg would be his new home. In 1955, he and his friend from his hometown opened their first restaurant, called the W&M Restaurant. This started something that would later become the largest privately held employer in the City of Williamsburg, called A.J. & L, Corporation. Lucky used his membership in clubs, like the Jay Cees, Kiwanis Club, The Raleigh Tavern Society, AHEPA and he was a Williamsburg Lodge Free Mason, later elevated to a Shriner, to help him develop strong ties and strong connections in the Williamsburg community, hospitality and service industries. He loved being in this industry and building relationships, meeting new people and he always had a story to share and a sparkle in his eye. His passion for connecting with people and entrepreneurship followed him throughout his life and career. Through his restaurants, people came to know this incredible, generous and charismatic man that always had a smile, a joke, story and a delicious meal. Lucky loved cooking for his customers and connecting with them, many of whom became lifelong friends. He took hospitality seriously, honoring the Greek tradition of caring for travelers and his community.
Lucky met his wife, MaryAnn, in Williamsburg and they've been married for 61 years. Lucky always put God and family first and he and Mary Ann were blessed with three sons, Demetrios (Megan), Nicholas (Crystal) and Constantine (Amanda). They were raised to think independently, to be strong and to never give up. His son's saw Lucky as a hero—strong, loving and endlessly supportive. Lucky's sons are all married and have children, and his grandchildren brought him so much joy.
Lucky's passing leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of his family, friends and former employees that can only be filled by remembering his irreverent wit, kind heart and indestructible spirit. He is survived by his wife, MaryAnn Florakis; his sons, Demetrios, Nicholas and Constantine; grandchildren, Ellianna, Triantafyllos, Lakis (Kayla), Katerina, Michael, Isaiah, Stella and Costa; and two great-grandchildren, Ivy and Nicholas. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Thank you Lucky for showing us a life well lived and a heart well filled. May his memory be eternal.
A visitation for Lucky will be held Friday, October 3, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a Trisagion service at 6:00 PM at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 4900 Mooretown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church with interment to follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, 809 S Henry St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, with Military Honors. Services will be officiated by Father George Chioros.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.
