It is with deep sadness that we announce the shocking and sudden passing of our dad, John George Alexakis, affectionately known as “Pops,” on September 19th, 2026. Pops was born on April 14th, 1946, in Ventura, California, where he lived the majority of his life. Proud of his Greek roots, he was born to Mary Blacy and George Alexakis, inheriting a rich heritage that he proudly carried throughout his life. He grew up on the west end of Ventura, where he attended De Anza Junior High School and went on to graduate from Ventura High School in 1964.
As a teenager, John worked at a local market where he caught the eye of a young girl working in the bakery department named Arlene. That marked the beginning of a beautiful, lifelong journey together. At the young age of 19, he married the love of his life, Arlene, on April 20, 1965, in Goleta. Together for over 60 years, they built a beautiful life and a strong foundation rooted in family. They were blessed with two children, Wendi and Jack. Their legacy grew to include six grandchildren—Nick, Roni, NJ, Jazmin, Jacob, and Khloe—and five cherished great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.
John dedicated more than 60 years to the commercial industry, serving his community with deep devotion, honesty, and hard work, while building a lasting legacy rooted in his sharp mind and exceptional business skills. John was a man of distinct character—blunt, direct, and with no filter. He told you exactly what you needed to hear, exactly when you needed to hear it, without sugarcoating a thing. Beneath his straight-to-the-point exterior was one of the smartest minds you could ever meet, a man overflowing with practical wisdom and knowledge.
When he wasn't sharing a sharp piece of advice, John was living out his passion for sports. He was a die-hard Raiders fan and a staple in Ventura’s softball and bowling leagues. Above all, he channeled his wisdom into coaching and supporting his kids and grandkids. He possessed a permanent spot at the top of the stands and never missed a single game, cheering them on with immense pride and a love that will always stay with them—standing as the sharpest critic and the fiercest protector of his favorite team: his family.
A true sports lover at heart, he never stopped cheering. Long after his own grandkids graduated, you could still find him at the top of the stands supporting the Ventura High School boys' and girls' basketball and football teams. He loved being a Cougar. More than anything, we will forever cherish the memories of Sundays spent with Pops. Whether we were gathered around the TV riding the highs and lows of a Raiders or Lakers game, or out in the backyard playing basketball together, those afternoons were the heart of our weekends. We will carry those Sunday traditions, his sharp commentary, and his fierce loyalty with us always.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Arlene (Quolas) Alexakis; his daughter, Wendi Tamura (Alexakis) Carrasco, married to Benny Carrasco Jr.; and his son, John (Jack) Alexakis, married to Tabitha Alexakis. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Nickolis Anthony Zavala; Veronica Nycole (Zavala) Tuzak, married to Timmy Tuzak; Nickolas Jordan (NJ) Carrasco; Jazmin Christine Carrasco; Jacob Alexakis, married to Grace Alexakis; and Khloe Alexakis; as well as his 5 great-grandchildren: Timothy Joseph (TJ) Tuzak, Ryan Nycole Tuzak, and Jacob and Grace’s 3 children. Additionally, he leaves behind his sister, Helen (Alexakis) Loucado; his half-brother, James Alexakis, married to Evelyn (Lopez) Alexakis; and his half-sister, Katina (Alexakis) Stephenson, married to Neil Stephenson.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Blacy; his father, George John Alexakis; and his brother-in-law, Larry Loucado.
A celebration of life will be held on October 3rd, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Boyko & Reardon Telegraph Road Mortuary and Cremation, located at 15 Teloma Dr., Ventura, CA 93003. Family and friends are welcome to come celebrate and remember the beautiful life of John “Pops” Alexakis.