John A. Damianos

John A. Damianos was born January 4, 1931 in Chicago to Aristotle Damianos of Kalamata and Maria Panagopoulou of Patras. The youngest of the three Damianos children, he always reminded his sisters Eulalia (Lee) Maras and the late Betty Smith that they were his older sisters and they always said that in all senses of the word that he was the baby of the family. The siblings remained extremely close until the end, with John always saying that he had “wonderful sisters.” Raised during the Depression, John saw the many sacrifices his parents made for their family and he himself modeled this spirit of giving and self-sacrifice throughout his long life.

His lifelong love of education, reading and critical thought began at Socrates Greek-American School. He attended St. Patrick High School and the University of Chicago Laboratory School and then graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1953 with a degree in Zoology. He planned on pursuing further graduate studies, but the military and subsequent family obligations intervened.

He entered the Army as an infantryman in 1953. Although he was afraid of heights, he became a paratrooper with the famed 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina mostly because he though “the girls” would be more impressed by the paratrooper uniform. When,, in 2018, he was asked at a restaurant by two active Air Force men why on Earth he would ever jump out of a plane, he quickly responded with his characteristic wit: “Well, we figured our chances were better jumping out of the plane than having Bozos like you guys trying to land it!”

At Fort Bragg he achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant. One day on base he heard that a Diplomatic Courier was needed to hand deliver a package to Greece. He said, “I’m a Diplomatic Courier.” He was not. But no one was the wiser and off he flew to Athens on what turned out to be the most momentous trip of his life. It was during this trip that John met the love of his life, Elyana, daughter of celebrated Greek journalist and cultural intellectual George Tsimbidaros-Fteris and Rhea Tsimbidarou-Fteri. They were wed December 1, 1957 at St. Dionysios the Areopagite Church in Athens with dignitaries in attendance including the Prime Minister.

Returning to Chicago after leaving the military, his father fell ill and he took over the business his father had started in 1914, Greek Art Printing and Publishing Company/Chicago Menu Company. Eventually located in the center of Greektown on Jackson and Halsted, the printing shop became the heartbeat of Chicago’s Greek-American community. He served as president of the Hellenic Professional Association. In an era before computers, countless families, churches and businesses depended on John for all their printing and communication needs. Many of the “old timers” would congregate in the front of the shop and John frequently supplied financial and other social assistance to them

In January 1963, John and Elyana had their only child, Aris. The family soon moved to Glenview where, over the years, the home also included his mother and his mother’s mother as well as Cleo and Tally, their cherished basenji dogs. After Aris left for college in New Hampshire, John and Elyana began to frequently visit New England. Upon John’s eventual retirement, he and Elyana split the year between Chicago and their home in Marousi, outside of Athens. They maintained a vibrant social life in Greece, frequently visiting various monasteries, cultural and historical sites. His greatest joy, however, were his three grandsons whom he loved to see in New Hampshire and loved to travel with in Greece. He was so very proud of all of them. John’s later years were devoted to taking care of Elyana as her eyesight and hearing declined. His extreme devotion to her was a true example of sacrificial love.

Surrounded by his family, John fell asleep in the Lord on November 21, 2023, the feast of the Presentation of the Theotokos, which celebrates the entrance of the Virgin Mary into the Temple and her dedication to God. Through her prayers may he enter the Kingdom of Heaven, where there is no pain, nor sorrow, but life everlasting.

Beloved husband of Elyana for 65 years; proud father of Aristotle (Francine), and loving Pappou to John (Vungelia), Stephen and Nicholas; son of the late Aristotle and Mary Damianos; loving brother of Lee Maras and the late Betty Smith; dear uncle to Robert, Maria, Barbara and Dean. His generous heart, sharp mind and keen sense of humor endeared him to all those who were lucky enough to know him.

John A. Damianos, born January 4, 1931 in Chicago, Korean War veteran, 1st Lt. 82nd Airborne Division, died peacefully on November 21, 2023 after a brief illness. Married to Elyana (Tsimbidarou-Fteri) for 65 years. Proud father of Dr. Aristotle (Francine), and loving Pappou to John (Vungelia), Stephen, and Nicholas. Son of the late Aristotle and Mary (Panagopolous) Damianos. Brother of Eulalia Maras and the late Betty Smith. Uncle to Robert, Maria, Barbara, and Dean. Graduate of Miami University, life member of Sigma Chi, past president of Hellenic Professional Society, past master of Ashlar Lodge 308. Owner of Greek Art and Publishing Company, founded by his father in 1914. Viewing at noon on Saturday, November 25, followed immediately by funeral at 12:30pm, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Des Plaines IL. Interment at later date, Central Cemetery, North Hampton NH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund, 40 Andrew Jarvis Drive, Portsmouth NH, 03801.

May his memory be eternal.