Dennis Mitchell Raikakos

Dennis was a proud United States Air Force veteran. He was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his heroic actions in Da Nang Vietnam.

An avid collector of toy trains and baseball memorabilia, Dennis filled his home with treasures related to his interests. A stroll through his house could find you perusing anything from original Polo ground seats to a room with an elaborate toy train table. Still more collectibles, lining shelves and walls, pay homage to his childhood growing up in New York and the many vacations he took with his children and girlfriend to places like Lake George, Plattsburgh, and Williamsburg, amongst others.

However, of all his treasures, his most cherished was his family. Dennis, a devoted father and loving Papou, cherished every moment spent in the company of the ones he loved; sharing stories of his past, traveling the country with his sweetie, and enjoying the simple pleasures of living a life surrounded by the ones he loved most.

Dennis is survived by his children, Michelle Hurd (Wally) of Parkton, NC, Denise Cuiffo (Joe) of Bay Shore, NY, Peter (Jamie) of Hope Mills, NC and Christopher of Hope Mills, NC, grandchildren Victoria Armstrong (Daniel), Tyler, Jared, Blake, Billie, Daniel, Amara, Aiden, Katherine and Samuel, great grandchildren Finnley, Rowan and Sonni Rae, his Sweetie Sheila and her son Chrisjohn, his furbabies Shadow, Cat, and Mini Pearl. He was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine and Peter and his wife Billie.

Viewing will be held Saturday, May 3rd at Crumpler Funeral Home- 131 Harris Ave, Raeford from 3:00-8:00 PM. A memorial reading will be done at 7:00 PM.

Burial services will be held Thursday, May 29th at 12:00 PM at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery- 8220 Bragg Blvd, Spring Lake.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made in honor of Dennis to the Gary Sinise Foundation in support of America’s heroes.