Peabody / Andover - Arthur J. Drivas, 89, beloved husband of Mary (Manolopoulos) Drivas, died unexpectedly on Tuesday November 20, 2018 at the North Shore Medical Center—Salem Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late John A. and Irene (Lazarakis) Drivas. He graduated from Peabody High School, Class of 1948, where he excelled in sports, the classroom, and leadership. He went on to study at Boston University prior to enlisting in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Arthur lived and raised his family in Andover, until recently moving back to Peabody.

Arthur worked for years at the West Lynn Creamery. He had an entrepreneurial spirit, and opened his business Arthur’s Towne House in Lawrence which he operated until 1978. He remained in the restaurant business for many years doing what he loved until his retirement. Upon retirement he could be seen helping his nephew at McNamara’s Liquors in Peabody and with his son at Red’s in Salem and Peabody.

Arthur was a key player on the 1947-48 Football team that beat Lynn Classical with Harry Agganis, and was inducted into the Peabody Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a lifelong member of St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church in Peabody, a member of the St. Val’s Men’s Club, the Peabody Kiwanis Club, the Jordan Lodge of Masons in Peabody, and the Lawrence Elks Lodge. He was passionately devoted to his family, his faith, a leader in business and community, and remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Arthur is survived by his loving wife, Mary (Manolopoulos) Drivas of Peabody, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage; his children, Irene Velonis and her husband Arthur of Byfield, John Drivas and his wife Lisa of Hampton, NH, and Ann Malatos and her husban, George of Milton. He also leaves five grandchildren, George Velonis and his wife, Sarah of Newmarket, NH, A.J. Drivas of Plum Island, Cassandra Drivas of South Boston, James Malatos of Atlanta, Ga. and Nicholas Malatos of Dorchester; a sister Celia Nalesnick of Peabody, a sister-in-law, Kay Lekos of Peabody and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death besides his parents, by his sisters, Eleanor Kalavretinos and Mary Hasomeris.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for a visitation at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. All are welcome to gather on Monday November 26, 2018 at 11 a.m. from the funeral home followed by his Funeral Service held at 12 Noon in St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, Peabody, with burial following in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Val’s Men’s Club Elevator Fund, c/o 7 Paleologos St., Peabody, MA 01960. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for online obituary or post condolences.