Socrates "Odge" George Cretekos

Socrates "Odge" George Cretekos, 102, a lifelong resident of Tarpon Springs, Florida, passed away on May 14, 2026. He was born in Tarpon Springs  on November 1, 1923, to his parents, George and Harriet Louros Cretekos.

Odge spent his entire life in Tarpon Springs, leaving only to serve his country during World War II. He landed at Normandy on the second day of the invasion and fought across France with Patton's Third Army. His service eventually brought him to Germany, where he helped liberate the Dachau Concentration Camp. During his military service, he received two Purple Hearts. He was truly a member of the Greatest Generation and remained deeply proud of serving his country.

Following the war, he returned home to Tarpon Springs, where he worked alongside his family in the sponge industry before joining General Telephone Company, where he remained until his retirement. After marrying Joan Marie Aide, he built their first family home, where they welcomed daughters, Harriet and Carol. Odge had a lifelong love of building and woodworking. Through his craftsmanship he built boats, furniture and swings for family and friends. His last big build was a playhouse for his granddaughter, Alexandra.

He volunteered with the Tarpon Springs Fire Department and his love of Football led him to officiating many high school games with the Suncoast Officials Association. Odge was an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoying numerous hunting and fishing trips with friends. His other love was his yard and the history of Tarpon Springs. He enjoyed all of his Inness Drive neighbors and sharing stories from his long life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Harriet Louros Cretekos; his wife of 69 years, Joan Aide Cretekos; his daughter, Carol Cretekos Heald; his sister, Helen Cretekos Arfaras; and his brothers, Nick G. Cretekos and Stal G. Cretekos.

He is survived by his daughter, Harriet Cretekos Scales; grandsons, John Socrates Scales, MD (Sarah) and Brett Gunning Scales; granddaughter, Alexandra Marie Scales, Esq (Mike Fiorgione); great grandchildren, Reid, Cate, Elizabeth and Grant Scales, along with Rhys, Georgiana and Rhodes Fiorgione; sister in law, Shirley Aide Weiskopf; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will start at 11:00 on Friday, May 22, 2026 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Entombment will follow at Cycadia Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Socrates "Odge" George Cretekos, please visit our floral store.