John Gilbert Dankos

Dankos, John G. 84, passed peacefully Wednesday, August 21, 2013 with his devoted companion Karen Millican at his side. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years Theresa Henicheck Dankos.He is survived by his children, John Jr. (Darlene), Mark (Karen), Glenn (Jan), Tracey Brock (Tony), Holly Angel; 2 brothers William (Slim) and Jerry; 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren who knew him as Pop-Pop; and many nieces and nephews. John was born and raised in Ashley, PA. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving with the Second Infantry Division in Korea. John and Theresa were the founders of the Aunt Sarah’s Pancake House Restaurants and Regency V Hotel Company. Among many other accomplishments he served as: President of the Lakeside Lions Club; Richmond Boys Club board member; President of the North Chamberlayne Civic Association; Director of Ramada Inns, Inc.; President of the Virginia Restaurant Association; Chairman and President of the National Tobacco Festival; President of the National Restaurant Association; and a member of The Capital Region Airport Commission. He received an honorary doctorate in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University and was twice named as “Virginia Restaurateur of the Year” by the Virginia Restaurant Association. John was a gracious host to all, a natural born actor and enjoyed spending time with family and friends at “Twin Oaks Cove” on the Rappahannock River. To his family and friends he leaves the precious gifts of a great sense of humor and finding simple joy in a good practical joke. He will be missed. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Henrico Christmas Mother P.O. Box 70338 Henrico, VA 23255-0338. The family will receive friends Sunday, August 25, 2013 from 5-7:30p.m., at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd. where a memorial service will be held Monday August 26, 2013 at 10:00a.m. Condolences may be offered at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.