Stilianos John Makratzakis

Stilianos (Stellios or “Stell”) John Makratzakis was born on May 18, 1952 in Skine, Crete, Greece and passed away surrounded by his family on March 29, 2025 at 72. He enjoyed a brief, but deeply rewarding career in investigative journalism, following service in the Hellenic Air Force – an experience he spoke fondly of, particularly his travels.

In 1975, he married the love of his life Sandy, after a whirlwind courtship of just ten days. After emigrating to the US with his young bride. It was then that he began his life’s work in the demanding hospitality industry – starting with back of the house work, and quickly working his way up to becoming executive chef and general manager of the Latitude 47. One of the more surprising roles he filled during this time was his tenure as the DJ of the Latitude, where he pioneered one of the Seattle area’s most popular Salsa and Latin nights. After many years running the Latitude, he ventured out on his own, bought and operated Brusseau’s Sidewalk Café in Edmonds, WA, quickly attracting regulars for homemade soups, craft cobblers, and cinnamon rolls. Brusseau’s was featured in print, on television, and more humorously, cameo scenes from a Lifetime Original movie, where Stellios made his acting debut.

After Brusseau’s, he opened Demetre's Pizza and Pasta in Shoreline, which became popular for his Mediterranean pasta dishes and Greek pizza. After Demetre's Pizza, he opened his final professional act as a restauranter, a restaurant appropriately named "Stell's" in the Queen Anne neighborhood, which served burgers, hot sandwiches, and Greek food. It became a favorite of the Seattle Pacific University students, and it brought Dad joy to feed and visit with all the students.

Despite the rigor and challenges of the restaurant business, Stellios loved it because it fueled his artistic side, nurtured his love of people, and allowed him to connect with others over shared meals. He was an accomplished culinarian, with the range to master French Pastry, while not being out of his depth catering fine dining for several hundred. Stellios also had a deep appreciation for music of all kinds and could hold a perfect beat on the improvised drum of a dashboard or countertop. In later years, he took up writing, detailing the history of his Cretan roots. A true Renaissance man who wore many hats during his life, he had a natural curiosity about people, life, language, and artistic endeavors.

Notwithstanding his many professional accomplishments, his family was the most important part of his life. Together with Sandy, they created a welcoming and vibrant home where friends and family gathered for meals while raising their three children. Their home became a safe harbor for many who needed a place to land during transitional periods in their life. Stellios and Sandy worked side by side and diligently to provide a wonderful life for their kids, always emphasizing the importance of hard work, education, integrity, generosity, and independence. He was extremely proud of the fact that his three children were college-educated, despite being first-generation Americans. He was generous in every way and had a soft spot for those in need. He cherished his wife, Sandy, and always complemented and elevated her as a wife and mother, declaring it his luckiest day when he married her. Stellios led by example, showing his children how to live a life of meaning and authenticity, never straying from who he was or what he believed, sometimes to an endearing annoyance. He was very proud to be their father, and his three children inherited his love for cooking, music, literature, irreverent humor, and a colorful vocabulary. In his later years, Stellios found great joy, love, laughter, and mischief in spending time with his three beautiful grandchildren.

Stellios is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandy, whom he called the love of his life every day until his passing. He is also survived by his three children, Athena (Andy) Dickerson, Costandina (Holger) Herbert, and Demetre Makratzakis (and his future daughter-in-law Lindsey Richmond). He is also survived by his three grandchildren: Jack (16), Maximilian (15), and Sophia (14).

Stellios was preceded in death by his parents, Yiannis and Athena Makratzakis, his brother-in-law Stamatios Palios, and his sister-in-law, Harula Panos. Stellios leaves behind a large extended family, including his brother Demetre (Kiki) Makratzakis of Greece, his brother-in-law John (Polette) Limantzakis, brother-in-law Stavros Panos, sister-in-law Stella Palios, sister-in-law Aspasia (Jim) Voltsis, and many nieces and nephews with whom he shared many great times and shenanigans. He is also survived by his beloved dog Theo (often referred to as his “nugget”), his caregiver Rod, and numerous other loved ones. Especially during the last three years, his family could not have endured the challenges without their support, and they are grateful for all the love and support they received.

While Dad and Papou’s passing will leave a giant void, he is finally at peace. Stellios battled health issues over the last 20+ years and fought hard to stay here with his family until the end. Stellios was lovingly cared for by Sandy in his home until the very end, an act that surprised no one who knew of their mutual love, commitment, and respect for one another. Until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Stellios’ legacy by inviting someone over for dinner, providing a meal to someone in need, or donating to the Seattle/St. Demetrios Chapter Philoptochos to be used to help those in need (c/o St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, attn: Mary Damascus, 2100 Boyer Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98112).

Trisagion and Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2100 Boyer Avenue East Seattle, WA. Interment to follow at Evergreen Washelli in Seattle.