John D. Kaftantzis
John D. Kaftantzis, age 95, passed away peacefully at his home on December 9, 2023. Born June 28, 1928 in Galatista, Halkidiki, Greece to a family of beekeepers & farmers, he completed Efklildis (Euclid) Technical High School in Thessaloniki and immediately was drafted into the Greek Army (Black Berets) for 3 years. In 1954 he immigrated to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where he lived for 9 years. In 1963 he immigrated to the US and lived in New York for 4 years. In the late 1960s he became a proud US citizen and moved to Chicago. He worked in the truck and heavy equipment industry as a technician, while also servicing the fleet of buses at his beloved church, Sts. Constantine and Helen. On a vacation to Greece in 1970, the “Brooklys” found and married his devoted wife of 53 years and had 3 beautiful children. He was an avid gardener, tinkerer, and master roaster of whole lambs. His love for simple things like homemade tsipouro, grilled hot peppers, olives, smoked salmon, and a good “parea” always put a smile on his face. He was always ready with a seemingly inexhaustible list of one-liners ready to make everyone laugh. Preceded in death by his parents Dimitrios and Maria; Brother Emmanuel (Noula); brother-in-law Modestos Zografopoulos; Grandchild Gabriel Kaftantzis. Survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Anastasia “Soula”, nee Siropli; 3 children, Maria (Dr. Constantine) Delis, Dimitrios (Roussa) Kaftantzis, Peter (Katina) Kaftantzis; six grandchildren Victoria, Johnny & Anastasia Delis, Johnny Kaftantzis, and Anastasia & Alexander Kaftantzis; One brother Phillip (Katina) & one sister Merope (late Modestos) Zografopoulos; Fond uncle of numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family and friends will meet Friday morning, December 15, 2023, at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 11025 S Roberts Rd, Palos Hills, IL 60465. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m, funeral service to follow at 12:30pm and Interment at Bethania Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to Sts. Constantine & Helen Church, to be used for upcoming Altar renovations. All arrangements made by Orrico-Kourelis Funeral Services, Inc. For more information please call (877) 974-9201
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to Sts. Constantine & Helen Church, to be used for upcoming Altar renovations. All arrangements made by Orrico-Kourelis Funeral Services, Inc. For more information please call (877) 974-9201.
A special thank you to Bobby Sianis & Georgia Kolovos for their compassionate care.
December 15, 2023 – 12:30pm cst
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