...loving husband, father, and friend; 83
TEWKSBURY - John M. Gkolias, age 83, a Korean War Veteran and active member of his Parish Community, died Wednesday morning, April 25, at his Tewksbury home after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Irene (Vonofortis) Gkolias, with whom he had celebrated a 59th wedding anniversary this past April 19th.
He was born in Boston a son of the late Marcos and Aphrodite (Davos) Gkolias, and raised in Somerville. He graduated from Somerville High School, and enlisted into the U.S. Army. He served in Korea, and was honorably discharged after 4 years active duty and three years of Army Reserve service. Upon his marriage to Irene, they moved to Dearborn, Michigan, where he ran his in-law's restaurant for eight years. He returned to the area with his family in 1962, and settled in Tewksbury. His career continued at Raytheon for five years, and continued for thirty years for the U.S. Defense Department at Fort Deven's Army-Navy Hospital in Ayer.
John was a well known and active member of the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, where he served on the Parish Council for twenty years, and the Church Men's Guild for twenty five years, having served as Secretary, Vice President, and ultimately President of the Guild. The church recognized his contribution by bestowing the Clergy Laity Award to John in 2001. John was also a member of the Dormation of the Virgin Mary Church in Somerville and a member of the Pharos Club.
John was a talented cook, and enjoyed cooking for his family and friends. He was a daily regular at the Main Street Dunkin Donuts "Coffee Buddies" meeting. He also enjoyed gardening and the outdoors.
Besides his beloved wife, he is survived by three daughters, Connie, Freda, and Clara Gkolias all of Tewksbury; a brother James Golias also of Tewksbury; a niece, Mary (Golias) Pavlakos and her husband Nick of Astoria,NY; many special relatives and friends. He was also father of the late Mark J. Gkolias, who died in 1988
The family would like to thank Nick Manolis, Joe Burtt, Buzz Pignato, and Harvey Sullivan and family. Special thanks to Dr. Stephen Travers, M.D., and staff, Saints Medical Center and staff, N.E. Rehabilitation's Lowell Satellite Facility, and the staff of the Lowell V.N.A. program.
His Funeral Service was held Monday, April 30, in the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Lowell, MA. Burial with Army Honors followed at Tewksbury Cemetery. Memorials to either the Manolis Family Foundation, 1067 Lakeview Ave. Dracut, MA 01826 or the Greater Lowell V.N.A., 336 Central St., Lowell, MA 01852, will be appreciated.