Strate N. Marinakos, age 73, of Drums passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton. His loving wife and son were by his side.
Born in Berwick on March 8, 1951, he was the son of the late Nikitas E. and Elene N. (Kokkoros) Marinakos. He was a graduate of Berwick High School, class of 1969, where he played 1st chair clarinet in the band. He continued his education at Bloomsburg State College, where he majored in Math and Physics. In his younger years, Strate worked for the Berwick Enterprise and Rea & Derrick drug store. Later, he worked at Berwick Automotive, then Berwick Forge and Fabricating until it closed and then United Chem-Con Corp. in Renovo. He owned and operated his own business, Marinakos Engineering, from 1986 until retiring.
As a teenager, he met his best friend and the love of his life, Mary Ann (Spaide) Marinakos. They were married in 1984 and enjoyed their journey together over the last 40 years.
Strate was a member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Wilkes-Barre, Knapp Lodge 462 F & A M, ASME, Valley of Bloomsburg, AHEPA Organization, PAGCA, Nescopeck Hunting and Rifle Club, and was an NRA Life Member.
He loved solving problems and gave guidance to many people throughout his community. He liked hunting and fishing. Building and designing things was his passion, and he used his knowledge to find fixes around his home. He also fixed farm equipment for local farmers as well as other machinery. He loved meeting new people, making new friends and telling jokes.
In addition to his wife, Mary Ann, he will be greatly missed by his son, Nikitas E. Marinakos; many extended family members through marriage; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is also survived by a sister, Stella Marinakos, Berwick.
Family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to Noon on Tuesday October 22, 2024, at Heller Funeral Home, LLC, 633 E Third St, Nescopeck, followed by a masonic and funeral service.
A funeral and graveside service will be held at 2:00PM on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Holy Protection Monastery, White Haven, where the burial will take place.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Holy Protection Monastery, 1 St Joseph’s Way, White Haven, 18661.
Online messages of comfort may be sent to his family at condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com.