John P Giannacopoulos, a Needham resident since 1981, died on Wednesday August 31 at his home in Needham. Born Nov. 17, 1923 in Vresthena, Greece, he immigrated to the United States in 1966 with his wife Stamata, their three daughters and their son. He felt honored to become an American Citizen in the 1970s. For a number of years they lived in Roslindale prior to coming to Needham. John worked as a cook in a Boston restaurant for a number of years and with that experience he helped his children succeed in opening their own restaurants, Waltham Seafood, Captain’s Warf, and the Dolphin Seafood Restaurant. John and his wife enjoyed traveling back to their homeland every year after their retirement. His greatest accomplishment was passing on to his children a great work ethic and honesty. John’s passion was gardening. His pride and joy was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He lived a full life but will be missed by his family. He is survived by his wife, Stamata (Mermingas) Giannacopoulos for 59 years. John was the Dear Father of Stella Primpas and her husband Costas of Needham, Eva Rogaris and her husband Chris of Weston, Paula Varitimidis and her husband Peter of Needham and Peter Giannacopoulos and his wife Artemis of Needham, he is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held Tuesday Sept. 6 at 11:00 AM in St Nectarious Church, 39 Belgrade Ave. Roslindale. Visiting hours on Monday from 4:00-8:00 PM in the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave. (Exit 19 B off Rte 128) Needham. Interment Gethsemane Cemetery West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, H.W.B.A., 601 Sherman St. Canton MA 02021, or St. Nectarious Church, 39 Belgrade Ave. Roslindale MA 02131.