Gondola Restaurant matriarch Demetra Drainas has passed away. She was 77.
Originally from Greece, she and her husband Bill moved to Crossville in the early 1970’s and opened the renowned Gondola Pizza House, which continues to be an area favorite and is now run by their son John.
Demetra Drainas is survived by her two sons; John Drainas and his wife Evangelia and their children; and her son Sam Drainas and his wife Amanda and his children; and also by her brother Thanasis, and sisters Fani and Eleni.
Funeral services will be held Saturday October 24, 2026 at 2pm at Hood Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 12noon-2pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Crossville City Cemetery.
