Peter Theodore Lafakis

Pete Theodore Lafakis of Hoover, passed away peacefully at home Friday, February 11 with his wife and love of his life of 45 years by his side. He was born in Birmingham May 28, 1948 the son of Roula Lafakis and the late Theodore (Ted) Lafakis who were the proprietors of Ted’s Bar-B-Que on Magnolia Avenue until their retirement.

He is survived by his wife Irene Vodantis Lafakis, son Chris Theodore Lafakis (Despina), grandson Zachary Lafakis of Pennsylvania, and his daughter Argie Maria Borders (Charles) of Hoover, in addition to his mother Roula, sister Sofia Petrou (Steve, deceased), nephews Dino, and Teddy (Eleni) Petrou, and niece Stephanie (Monty) Burton of Houston, Texas; beloved aunt Georgia Savvopoulou of Athens, Greece, sister-in-law Despina Vodantis, in addition to beloved cousins scattered across the USA and Greece.

Pete was a graduate of Ensley High School,1966, where he played on the football team. He was a proud alum of Jacksonville State University majoring in accounting and economics. In 1983 Pete received his MBA degree from UAB and served as Budget Officer for the City of Birmingham until his retirement in 2009. During his 35 years of service to the city, he was the recipient of consecutive awards from the National Budget Officers Association for his exemplary work.

Service to others was Pete’s main goal. He served as Parish Council Member and Treasurer for the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Birmingham for many decades even working on the Cathedral budget until the day he died. He was a life-long member of AHEPA, Men’s Service Association. He is a past recipient of the Archangel Michael Service Award bestowed by the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Atlanta.

Pete was an avid sports enthusiast. He coached softball and basketball at the Cathedral since 1974. He also coached girls’ and boys’ softball at Shades Mountain Park and was a Commissioner in charge of scheduling. His love of all sports and of children was apparent in his constant interest in their progress. It goes without saying, Pete was an avid Bama Fan and loved to play golf with his son and nephews. He was extremely proud of his devoted son and daughter and had hoped to see his grandson play ball, but God had other plans for him, calling him home to coach in the “major leagues.” A dedicated husband, father, friend and mentor, he had diverse interests from reading Jane Austin novels to watching WWF and AEW Wrestling.

Services are scheduled for Wednesday, February 16 with the Trisagion (Prayer Service) at 10 am followed by the Funeral Service at 11 am. Officiating the Funeral Service are Father Gregory Edwards, Ph.D, Cathedral Dean, Father Micah Hirschy, and Father Paul Costopoulos, Emeritus. Interment is at Elmwood Cemetery and a Makaria (memorial luncheon) will be held at the Cathedral’s Vasilakis Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Birmingham , designated to the Athletic Fund.