Paul Nicholas Dakis

On January 27, 1942 Paul Nicholas Dakis was born in San Francisco to Greek immigrant parents, Nicholas and Agalia. He was the youngest of two, with his older brother Andy being born just three years earlier. Paul spent his 81 years here in the San Francisco Bay Area where he made an indelible mark on it. Growing up, he pursued many opportunities to expand his community by meeting new people and pursuing his many interests. He was an active member of the Italian Club, an all-city tennis champion, volunteered with disabled children and attended church with his mother and Thia at the Annunciation Cathedral.  It was clear to people who knew Paul that he was a caring soul with a fun-loving personality who would do his best to support others and go on to accomplish great things.

Paul started selling eyeglasses in his early twenties and worked hard to become a successful business owner. His career led him not only to professional success, but also introduced him to the love of his life, Niki. A client of Paul’s arranged a blind date for the two, and upon meeting Niki for the first time, Paul was head over heels in love. One year later, he proposed at Twin Peaks, and they were married here at the Church of the Holy Cross in 1973. Paul and Niki made a life for themselves in San Mateo for over 45 years and reached their golden anniversary (50 years!) on March 11, 2023. 

In addition to his unconditional love for Niki, Paul also had a love for travel. His interest in expanding his community and meeting new people paralleled his international adventures—some of his favorite trips included Hong Kong, Japan, Italy, Mexico, and Greece. And though he was well-traveled, what he truly cherished was spending quality time with friends and family. He enjoyed organizing camping trips and vacationing in his home away from home in the family’s cabin in Arnold—where he always stopped to pick up apple cinnamon donuts and apple fritters on the way for his daughters, Georgette and Lea.

Paul was a devoted father who loved his girls and was always there to help with anything they wanted or needed. He always went the extra mile for them with a smile on his face and a bounce in his step. His love for his daughters doubled when his sons-in-law, George and Mike, married into the family. He adored his expanding family and especially enjoyed spending Sundays watching the 49ers surrounded by loved ones. 

His love continued to grow with the addition of each grandchild—Giana, Paul, and Nicole—who were his pride and joy. Once asked what kept him going, Paul’s answer was, “I want to see my grandchildren grow up.” And he did. Paul always had a place on his lap for a snuggle and a kiss, singing “You Are My Sunshine” with Yiayia Niki. He loved to tuck them to bed, and also catch a quick nap with them. He also loved his fur-grandchild Tuck, who came in every morning looking for him.

A jokester through and through, Paul was a light to all who knew him. Anyone that ever met Paul had nothing but nice things to say about him. He was a good and loyal friend, an advisor, and a shoulder for those who needed it. He was a husband, father, papou, uncle, godfather, and his door was always open to friends and family. His life was full of love, positive energy, and a wealth of stories (ask Niki or his kids about the Italian club and his infamous trip to Mexico). In addition to being the life of the party, Paul was also the king of the casino. He loved telling everyone about his blazing 7s and even tricked some into taking him to casinos (more stories there). His heart of gold—and blazing 7s—will be remembered forever. 

Our beloved Paul left to be with God and all the angels on September 20, 2023. He was surrounded by so much love from his family and friends, who are gathered here today to celebrate his life at a church that held great meaning to him. We are grateful to all the first responders, nurses, and doctors who were with us during this difficult time. Thank you to the friends and family who loved and supported us. Play some lotto for Dad and, above all else, be kind.

May his memory be eternal.