Obituary of Jon C. Poulakis

Jon Charles Poulakis Sr.,

Irondequoit: 86, passed away with his loved ones alongside him on Tuesday, December 24th, 2024 in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Born on Feb 15, 1938. He was loved and admired by many throughout the community. He was a veteran of the US Air Force. Serving at the tail end of the Korean War.

He was a decorated soccer coach and was tirelessly dedicated to the game for 45 years. He worked with numerous clubs, schools, colleges, and semi-professional teams around the country. In 1989, he took a team to Ireland and won the Emerald Cup. The first American team to do that. His passion for the beautiful game will be remembered by thousands of players that he coached. The joy he had while coaching was contagious. Few people ever find their passion in life like he had. His dedication to the community led to a field being named after him at Camp Eastman in Irondequoit in 2018.

He was also a tremendously talented artist. He mastered several arts through the years including scrimshaw, engraving, glass work and wood relief cutting. Always trying to push himself to learn new things.

He was preceded in death by his parents George & Marion Poulakis; and daughter Deana Poulakis.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia Poulakis; sons, Jon Poulakis Jr., Paul Poulakis(JoEllen), and Josh Poulakis; siblings, Peter Poulakis(Lynd) and Janis Cipolla(Thomas); brother-in-law, Denis Kelleher; nephews and nieces, Kara Horvath(Matthew), Christa Poulakis, Jospeh Cipolla(Cristina), Gregg Poulakis(Jody), Julie Zapata(Tony), Jill Terrana, Jenny Kelleher, Bryan Kelleher(Mitzie); grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Poulakis) Barton(Drew), Jake Poulakis(Kailan Cudney), Hayden Schermerhorn(Ryan), Megan Schermerhorn-Merton(Kyle), Gabriel Whittemore, and Jordan Allen(Becky) and great grandchildren, Adrian, Ainsley, Charlie, and Brookie.

His family will receive friends Saturday, January 11, 2-5pm at the funeral home (570 Kings Highway So.). To share a memory or send the family a condolence, please visit www.harrisfuneralhome.com.