SALEM, MA — Thomas N. “Big Fred” Demakes, 82, of Salem, MA died peacefully on November 12 of heart failure in the presence of his family.

He was the eldest son of the late Nicholas and Lillian (Scangas) Demakes, born in Lynn on October 28, 1939, and raised in Marblehead. A graduate of Marblehead High School Class of ’57, Demakes attended Boston University then served in the U.S. Army in Germany. Upon his return, he played on a semi-professional football team in Boston for several years. He had a varied and interesting professional life, first working in the Demakes Enterprises family business in Lynn, then in financial services.

He and his wife Mary operated Big Fred’s Sandwich Shop in Salem. Then in 1994, they established Private Home Care in Marblehead which continues to serve the sick and elderly.

Demakes loved his Greek heritage. He was a good cook and ate with gusto, traveled to Greece many times, spoke fluent Greek and most of all, loved Greek music. He had a beautiful tenor voice and could be heard singing on his porch overlooking Salem Harbor. He loved a good time, enjoyed playing cards, and was the life of every party. Demakes enjoyed going to Las Vegas, often with his son, Harry, and was a committed Patriots and Red Sox fan. His lifetime hero was Harry Agganis.

Demakes is survived by his beloved wife Mary (Macary) Demakes and his three sons, Nicholas and Paul of Lynn and Harry of Salem, as well as his sister Constance Demakes of Winchester, his brother John and wife Diane Demakes of Marblehead. He was predeceased by his late brother Theodore Demakes. He also leaves five nieces and nephews, and many cousins and extended family.

The visitation was held on November 19 at the Solimine Funeral Home, 67 Ocean Street (Route 1A) in Lynn. The funeral services were held on November 20 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 54 South Common Street in Lynn, followed by burial at Pine Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or the Alzheimer’s Association 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452. For online guestbook, please visit www.solimine.com.