Philip Hercules Ketrelakes Sr.

SALEM – Mr. Philip Hercules Ketrelakes Sr., 89 of Salem, beloved husband of the late Dolores Rita (Brigley) Ketrelakes, died Wednesday, January 25^th, 2023 at Beverly Hospital.

Born in Chios, Greece, he was the son of the late Hercules and Despina (Theodorakis) Ketrelakes. He was raised and educated in Chios, Greece. He joined the Merchant Marine as a young man. He travelled to the United States on a merchant vessel and jumped ship to come to the United States in December of 1951. It was at this time he found the love of his life, Dolores, in Astoria, New York and they would instantly fall in love and create a life together. They shortly thereafter, moved to Peabody and settled on Beacon Street, which would become their family’s neighborhood.

Mr. Ketrelakes began his professional career with the former A.C. Lawrence Leather Company, where he worked for 18 years, he then matriculated to the United Shoe Machine Corporation for a brief association and then to the former North East Airlines. He worked for North East through their transition to Delta Airlines and after 27 years retired as Baggage Supervisor. He was always a hardworking man providing a better life for his family.  

Philip was an avid and outstanding golfer. He played in many leagues at the Salem Municipal Golf course over the years and even was the winner of the Delta Flight Men’s Open Golf Tournament in 1985 at Doral. He had a passion for horse racing and was a talented handicapper. He loved to be at the race track and among the thoroughbreds. He was even a member of a racing ownership group that trained several winning thoroughbreds. He loved to square dance with his beloved wife and could often be found supporting his children and grandchildren at their sporting and artistic events. He was a devoted and supportive father, who was family oriented and often visited his relatives in Greece, which brought him great joy. He achieved his goal in life of providing opportunity and a comfortable life for his wife and children and enjoying the people and hobbies he treasured most. He will be deeply missed.

Phil is survived by his children, Diane Karon Hannify-Broughton, Kim Marie Duby and Philip Hercules Ketrelakes Jr and his wife, Jill Jackson, all of Peabody, his six grandchildren, Brianne Sulibhavi, Mica Hannify, Kenneth Duby II, Janea Duby, Philip Ketrelakes III and Cheyenne Jackson, his three great grandchildren, Dhruva, Dev and Ava Mae, his two sisters, Zena Baki and Beba Exarhos, both of Greece, his brother, George Ketrelakes of Newburyport and several nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: His Funeral Service will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Wednesday, Feb. 1^st at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Visiting hours Tuesday, Jan. 31^st from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Phil’s memory to the Epilepsy Foundation of New England, 650 Suffolk St., #405, Lowell, MA 01854 or to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, 6520 N. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33309. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

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