William Nicholas Dakos, M.D.

William Nicholas Dakos, M.D., passed away Feb. 28, 2014
Dr. Dakos was known by his colleagues, friends and family by many names. He was “Bill,” Dr. D, Dake and, of course, Dad and Papou. His contributions to the Southwest Florida community began almost immediately upon his arrival his here, with his young family. In spite of the early experience of losing their first home to Hurricane Donna, he made Southwest Florida his family’s permanent home.
As the only ear, nose and throat doctor for more than 8 counties, as well as facial, head and neck reconstruction, he rarely slept through the night without being called out for an emergency. His passion for healing kept him busy in the practice of medicine until just shortly before his death.
Always seeking the most current, effective treatment for his patience, he spent years traveling to Europe in the study of an immune disorder treatment at the Oxford College of Immunology, which often resulted in cure, rather than toxic treatments. Families knew they could count on him in the middle of the night to come out and treat their sick child, or respond to an emergency. His compassion for every member of his community will long be remembered.
Loyal staff member Leslie Torres reports, “Working with him was always like being part of his family.”
In addition to his involvement in the medical community, he was very active in local youth athletics. Dr. Dakos was president of the Fort Myers Little League and built the first minor league field in Fort Myers, in spite of the fact that it was not his favorite sport. He and Coach Sam Sirianni were close friends and it was not uncommon to see Dr. D on the bench at Green Wave football games. Sam’s wife Margaret and Bill’s wife Jo had known each other in high school in West Virginia.
His favorite sport was basketball. As a game-winning high school basketball player, he started Lee County’s first integrated basketball league, known as Junior Pro Basketball of Southwest Florida.
He dabbled in various business ventures over his lifetime including Dr. D’s Yogurt at the Edison Mall; WBBH-TV, Fort Myers; WOKD Radio in Arcadia, Fla.; and Florida Citrus Nurseries, Sebring, Fla.
He loved golf and music, and spent many great times in both activities. He even played saxophone through medical school, and later at events at Fort Myers Yacht Club and at Cypress Lake Country Club, at which he was a member of both.
Born of Greek immigrants who worked hard to be sure he would be able to go to college, he also won many scholarships and after attending the University of Virginia and completing his residency at the University of Alabama, headed for a career which allowed him to give back to his parents and sister, Helen, who suffered from multiple sclerosis.
Dr. D’s love of medicine and taking care of people never officially ended. As sure as we speak, he is making his rounds in heaven.
Dr. Dakos was preceded in death by wife of 60 years, Norma “Jo” Earehart Dakos.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Dixie Dakos of Matlacha, Nick (Dee) Dakos of Fort Myers and Rex (Rose) Dakos of Sanibel; grandchildren, Bill Dakos, Nicholas Dakos, Justin Dakos Mangold, Savannah Dakos, Sydney Dakos and Daniel Mangold.
Visitation was held Thursday, March 6, from at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. The funeral was held Friday, March 7, at the funeral home chapel. Entombment followed in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fortmyersmemorial.com. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Fort Myers High Athletic Boosters.