Steve Drakos, a longtime resident and business owner in Lake Orion, passed away on June 14 at the age of 62 after an extended battle with cancer. The announcement was made by Lake Orion Community Schools on Sunday. Drakos was a member of the LOCS Board of Education for 14 years.
Drakos was known throughout Lake Orion for his kindness and willingness to help others in need in both his profession as an attorney but also as a husband, father, friend and community member. His impact on those around him cannot be overstated.
He was born on June 9, 1962 in Pontiac, Michigan and was the oldest son of two Greek immigrants, Andrew and Joanna Drakos.
He eventually moved to Lake Orion, graduating from Lake Orion High School. From there, he attended Oakland University and majored in political science. In 1988, he graduated from Detroit College of Law and earned his Juris Doctor.
He lived in Oxford for some time, serving as vice president and trustee for the Oxford Community Schools Board of Education and was also president of the Orion/Oxford Boys and Girls Club.
Drakos married his wife Teresa in October 2001, and together they raised their twin boys, Andrew and Michael, in Lake Orion.
He was passionate about his Greek heritage, history, education and helping others.
As an attorney, Drakos always aimed to help his clients and make a lasting impact on their lives in the face of adversity. He was well respected by his peers and the judges he worked with and was a friend to many in the Orion/Oxford community as well as his profession.
His career also allowed him to act as legal counsel for a number of nonprofits throughout the area like the Lake Orion War Memorial and the Lake Orion Lions Club.
Drakos founded the Court of the Schools Program in Lake Orion in 1995 with Judge Julie Nicholson, which helped educate students on the court system for decades.
In his career, he was awarded the Frances R. Avadenka Award by the Oakland County Bar Association for his contributions to the community of Oakland County and the Oakland County Bar Association also recognized him for his Pro-Bono activities for legal service to the underprivileged.
Drakos was a fixture in the Lake Orion community and his passion for education will be remembered by many, especially those he worked with at Lake Orion schools.
“Steve’s passion for public education and dedication to the Lake Orion community were profound. Yet, this commitment was surpassed by his love for his family. Steve cherished every moment with them, from family dinners to supporting his children’s activities, and they remained his greatest joy and motivation in all his endeavors. Steve will be greatly missed by all,” said LOCS Board of Education President Danielle Bresett.
“Steve’s kind heart and generosity defined him. He gave to others everything he had and as a school district we are thankful for his time on the Board of Education and as the Superintendent I’m thankful for his friendship,” LOCS Superintendent Ben Kirby said.
Drakos is survived by his wife Teresa; sons, Andrew and Michael; parents, Andrew and Joanna Drakos; sisters, Katherine Demopulos (Greg) and Christina Drakos; and many loving nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends who are considered family.
The visitation was held on June 18 after Lake Orion Review press time at the Modetz Funeral Home Silverbell Chapel.
The funeral service will be held June 19 at 11 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, located at 43816 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the Drakos family asks for donations to support his children in their future educational pursuits. Education was a pillar in Steven’s life and will ensure that his legacy lives on through Andrew and Michael. Those who wish to contribute can do so through this Everloved link: https://everloved.com/life-of/steven-drakos/
The full obituary and direct link to the donation website can be found online at www.modetzfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Steven-A-Drakos?obId=31822620. — Megan Kelley