John Koutsoukos, age 76, peacefully passed away with his beloved wife at his side, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He left his hometown of Afidnes, Greece at the age of 19, to join his dear sister, Demetra Stassis and her husband George, in San Diego. John started out washing dishes, but soon graduated San Diego State University and then went on to earn his M.B.A. He was a strong believer in the power of education and encouraged everyone to grow intellectually to help themselves and their community. A proud American, he served his adopted country in the U.S. Army in Korea. After owning restaurants, he opened his own real estate agency and became a commercial real estate broker and investor. After becoming semi-retired, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. John was always enthusiastic about meeting new people and learning about different places and cultures. He was a voracious reader who enjoyed learning how to use the internet to email and skype his friends all over the world.
John was also an avid gardener, as it always reminded him of tending to his family's vineyards. He had over one hundred grape vines at his home and produced his own wine. He loved sharing the fruits of his labor and often took tangerines, lemons, figs, pomegranates, macadamia nuts, apples and herbs to share with friends and family. His happiest moments were when he was entertaining family and friends. He was well known for being an excellent cook and an expert at roasting a lamb on a spit for special occasions. Until his health began to fail, he enjoyed making Greek food for his church's Greek festival. He loved the Greek community and was very proud of his Greek heritage. He dedicated much of his life to St.Spyridon's Greek Orthodox church as a member of the church for over 56 years and even served on the parish council. He was a member of the Hellenic Cultural Society and president of the local American Hellenic and Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA).
John was a devoted husband, father and mentor, whose sense of humor, patience, humility and devotion to God will be missed by all. He leaves behind his loving wife of 43 year, Kitsa (nee Villiotis), his daughters, Fay Demakis (Spyro) and Lena Lahanas (Demetri) and three beautiful grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. He is also survived by a sister, Agni Pantos (Yianni) of Afidnes, Greece and many beloved nieces and nephews who meant the world to him. May his memory be eternal. The visitation will be held Monday, Nov. 21 from 4-8 p.m. Trisagion service 7:00 at El Camino Memorial La Mesa Chapel(619)466-3297. Funeral services at St. Spyridon , 3655 Park Blvd., San Diego 92103, Tues., November 22 at 10:30 a.m. Burial immediately following at El Camino Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The National Hellenic Museum in Chicago, Grossmont Hospital Foundation, PO Box 158 La Mesa, CA 91944, Or St. Spyridon's Sunday School.
