David Alan Petrakis

PEORIA– David Alan Petrakis, 71, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 25, 1950, in Peoria to Bernard and Caryl (Kasebier) Petrakis, Sr. As a child, David was strong-willed, adventurous, witty, and the orneriest of all his siblings: Duane, Janet, John, Debra, Gloria, Gayla, Mari, Paul, Daniel, Karen, and Pete. He graduated from Limestone Community High School in 1968. It was love at first sight when he met Barbara, and the two set off to North Carolina where they eloped on November 5, 1969. Together, they settled down in Bartonville and had three strong-willed, adventurous, witty, and ornery children: Greg, Jenny, and Krissy. He was the ultimate family man. He loved them fiercely and instilled values of honesty, empathy, determination, and curiosity. He enjoyed making lifelong memories and strengthening family bonds with his children throughout their entire lives by taking them boating, water-skiing, camping, fishing, and to some of his favorite places: Disney World, Six Flags, The Ozarks, Colorado, Alaska, and Canada. David taught his children the importance of education and hard work. He earned an Associate’s Degree from Illinois Central College in 1977. He worked as a certified and highly skilled electrician at Caterpillar Inc. for 35 years, retiring in 2009. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. Above all else, being a grandfather was the most rewarding experience of his life. He wanted to be the best grandpa to his amazing grandchildren: Anthony, Rachel, Ryan, Lexie, Branden, Conner, Emily, and Sophia, and one great-granddaughter, Alivia. They will tell you he was not the best; he was the greatest of all time. He loved them deeply and unconditionally and devoted all his time to them. They found in him safe harbor and unwavering support. He continued tradition by making lifelong memories and strengthening family bonds as his grandchildren happily joined him on countless adventures to Timberline Campground, Alaska, Colorado, and Disney World. He was an animal lover and always had a furry friend by his side, most recently his rescue beagle, Cooper. He was a toy train enthusiast, collecting and creating an entire room dedicated to operating his trains. He was a Jack of all trades. He could build anything and was most proud of his log cabin-style home, two-story shed which housed his train collection, covered bridge over the gully in his backyard, greenhouse, raised garden beds, two custom-made swing sets for his grandchildren, pool decks for his daughters, the list goes on and on. He could fix anything. He was a phone call away, unless he was taking a much-needed, well-deserved nap. Never wake a sleeping bear! Like his brother Paul, he enjoyed attending flea markets and auctions looking for items for his booth at Needful Things Antique Mall in Peoria. He was the “grill master” and a gifted chef who loved to cook for his children and grandchildren every Sunday at his home. David was a strong and handsome man who would give you the shirt off his back. He had an infectious laugh and a smile that could put anyone at ease. He was loyal and generous to a fault and a friend to many. He was a multifaceted maverick; one of his personal mottos was “It’s my way or the highway!” and there is no doubt he did it his way until the very end. Life will never be the same without him. He was the guiding light and rock of his family. He was loved by so many and will be greatly missed. David is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, Greg Petrakis, Jenny (Mike) Downes, and Krissy (Ben) Short; eight grandchildren, Anthony (Wanda) Stewart, Rachel Petrakis, Ryan Petrakis, Lexie Downes, Branden Short, Conner Short, Emily Downes, and Sophia Short; his siblings, Debra Johnigk, Gloria Schooley, Gayla (Mike) Wascher, Mari Doubet, Daniel Petrakis, Pete Petrakis; numerous nieces and nephews; many friends and neighbors; and his beagle buddy, Cooper. He was proceeded in death by his parents; three brothers, Duane Petrakis, John Petrakis, and Paul Petrakis; two sisters, Janet Patton and Karen Petrakis; and one great-granddaughter, Alivia Brooks. He is holding sweet baby Alivia in heaven. Cremation Rites have been accorded. You may create an online condolence at www.schmidthaller.com for the family. Memorials may be made to Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS), 2600 NE Perry Ave, Peoria, IL 61603. A Celebration of Life with military honors has been scheduled for 2p on Saturday, July 30, 2022

David Alan Petrakis

June 25, 1950 - April 21, 2022