We will remember John in three special places, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Riverside Park and the dinner table. We admired his commitment to his faith and to his physical routine, but it was at the dinner table, both his and ours, that we got to know John. A truly gracious host, he shined at these dinner parties making his guests, often Gus and Helen, Mario and Evelyn, Charlie and me and Sylvia, feel so welcome. His joyful spirit was contagious. We always enjoyed each other’s company, the current conversation, and Mary’s dinners. We left those evenings smiling.
But it was dinner at our place where we got to know John in another way. He told us about his amazing life, the good the great and the not-so-good. We were impressed by both his humility and by his pride, not a superficial pride, but the pride that comes from giving total dedication, perseverance and hard work to everything you do. John was also interested in knowing his friends. He asked questions. He was a good listener. He was a true friend. We miss him.
--Bette & Charlie
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