John Panagopoulos, 68, of Worcester. Johnny or "Zorba" as he was known to most, died surrounded by his loved ones at Rhode Island Hospital on Sunday, July 24th at 6:05 p.m.
John will be lovingly remembered by his sisters, Francine Panagopoulos of Worcester, Diane Klarakis and her husband, Theofanis of Uxbridge, Goldie Pailes and her husband, Lawrence of Wichita Falls, TX, and Christina Betters of Delray Beach, FL; five Godchildren, George Panagopoulos and his wife, Suzanne of Fitchburg, Peter Panagopoulos of Worcester, Jetta and Alexander Panagopoulos of North Attleboro, and Kristina Angelou of New York City, NY. He also leaves many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Sophia (Chioutsis) Panagopoulos; and his brother, Charles Panagopoulos and his wife, Donna.
Zorba was a loving man with a huge heart and an even bigger spirit. Family was everything to him, and he loved helping others. He volunteered at Greek Festivals all over the United States and was a proud member of AHEPA and S.O.P. with St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral. He loved to golf, travel, and experience different cultures and cuisines. Johnny has travelled around the United States and the world with the exception of seventeen states. He had a passion for adventure and could start his day having a cup of coffee with one person then jump in the car to take off to wherever he felt. This could be visiting a loved one, driving to New Orleans, or hopping on a flight to another country because “Why not?”
His funeral is Tuesday, August 2nd with a service at 11:00 a.m. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery located at 119 Webster Street. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the service in the Cathedral. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Zobra’s name to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609, YMCA of Worcester, 766 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610 or to the Rhode Island Hospital Fund for Excellence, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903.
“A limb has fallen from the family tree that says grieve not for me, remember that best times, the laughter, the song – the good life I lived when I was strong.” – Author Unknown.