IN LOVING MEMORY OF
John "John
The Greek" Kontarasis
March 31, 1919 – March 20, 2009
Obituary
Salem…..
John "John The Greek" Kontarasis, age 89, husband of Esther (MacNeill) Kontarasis, of Salem died at home Friday evening surrounded by his family.
Born in Salem the son of the late Charles and Maria (Silva) Kontarasis, he was raised by his mother and a step father, Peter Coadis due the unexpected death of his father. After completing his education in Salem Schools, Mr. Kontarasis joined the United States Army.
During his tour of duty, he was a heavy truck driver and rifle marksman serving in Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was a decorated veteran with medals including the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Victory Medal, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Croix de Guerre from the Republic of France.
Following his discharge, Mr. Kontarasis became a home oil delivery truck driver for Pickering and McFarland Oil, later known as Pickering Oil. He was later employed by Charles Ferris at Ferris Auto Service in Salem as well as Clarke Brothers Oil for many years. Following his retirement from Parker Brothers Games, Mr. Kontarasis was a crossing guard for the City of Salem at the corner of North St and Mason St for over 10 years.
A member of the V.F. W. Witch City Post 1520 in Salem, he had also been an active member of the Ward 2 Social Club. Mr. Kontarasis enjoyed watching golf, bowling and The Price is Right on T.V.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children Millie Mandeville and her husband Jimmy of Salem, Patricia Ann Richards and her husband Steven of Freemont, NH, Mary Kontarasis of North Adams, Spero, Helen S., and John Charles Kontarasis and his wife Donna all of Salem; 12 grandchildren; 10 great grandsons and one great grand daughter.
He was predeceased by a brother, Spero Kontarasis.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 10:15 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St (cor of North St) Salem to be followed by funeral Services at 11:00 A.M. in St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Paleologos St., Peabody. Visting hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 P.M. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or to the North Shore Cancer Center, 17 Centennial Dr., Peabody, MA 010960. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.
John "John The Greek" Kontarasis, age 89, husband of Esther (MacNeill) Kontarasis, of Salem died at home Friday evening surrounded by his family.
Born in Salem the son of the late Charles and Maria (Silva) Kontarasis, he was raised by his mother and a step father, Peter Coadis due the unexpected death of his father. After completing his education in Salem Schools, Mr. Kontarasis joined the United States Army.
During his tour of duty, he was a heavy truck driver and rifle marksman serving in Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was a decorated veteran with medals including the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Victory Medal, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Croix de Guerre from the Republic of France.
Following his discharge, Mr. Kontarasis became a home oil delivery truck driver for Pickering and McFarland Oil, later known as Pickering Oil. He was later employed by Charles Ferris at Ferris Auto Service in Salem as well as Clarke Brothers Oil for many years. Following his retirement from Parker Brothers Games, Mr. Kontarasis was a crossing guard for the City of Salem at the corner of North St and Mason St for over 10 years.
A member of the V.F. W. Witch City Post 1520 in Salem, he had also been an active member of the Ward 2 Social Club. Mr. Kontarasis enjoyed watching golf, bowling and The Price is Right on T.V.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children Millie Mandeville and her husband Jimmy of Salem, Patricia Ann Richards and her husband Steven of Freemont, NH, Mary Kontarasis of North Adams, Spero, Helen S., and John Charles Kontarasis and his wife Donna all of Salem; 12 grandchildren; 10 great grandsons and one great grand daughter.
He was predeceased by a brother, Spero Kontarasis.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 10:15 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St (cor of North St) Salem to be followed by funeral Services at 11:00 A.M. in St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Paleologos St., Peabody. Visting hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 P.M. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or to the North Shore Cancer Center, 17 Centennial Dr., Peabody, MA 010960. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.
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