Mr. John Xenakis

John Xenakis, 93, loving husband, uncle, cousin, godfather and friend to many, passed away on September 19, 2012 at the Laurels of Greentree Ridge. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Georgia Stathacos Xenakis, his sister-in-law, Anna Xenakis of Asheville; his nieces, Litsa Bambouri of Chios, Greece, Dr. Hope Xenakis and her husband, Ray Dean of Asheville, Elpitha Makrides and her husband, Nick of Bayside, NY, Markella Zouma of Toronto, Canada, Betsy Xenakis of Durham, NC, Xenoula Maria Easton (also a goddaughter) and her husband, Brian and their daughter, Alexandra of Durham, NC and Frances Earnhardt and her husband, Brad of Asheville, NC. A native of Chios, Greece, John was born to Xenophon and Elpitha Xenakis on April 19, 1919. He was the 3rd of 4 siblings that included Markella Fafalios, Stelios Xenakis and Maria Georganti, all of whom preceded him in death. He served in the Greek Navy during World War 11 and came to the US to begin his lifelong career in the restaurant business. Arriving in Asheville in 1950, he was welcomed at the home of the Arakas family which included his aunt, Mary Arakas and his 1st cousin, Stamati Arakas and his wife, Catherine and their children, Mary, Sideri and Drucie. He is also survived by another 1st cousin, Arnold Kalogerakis and his family. John who owned Wink's Restaurant with his cousin Stamati and Johnny-O's Sandwich Shop with his brother, Stelios. John was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Asheville, NC. He was a tireless volunteer and 50-year member of the AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Association). His passion included discussing politics, tending to his vegetable garden and dispensing advice to his nieces, friends and godchildren (Chris, Jimmy and Angeliki). He was an advocate for good health and walked almost daily with his friends at the Asheville Mall for many years. A devoted husband to Georgia, he brought her flowers every week for more than 50 years. In March, 2012, they celebrated their 53rd year of marriage. John's family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Laurel's of Greentree Ridge and Care Partners Hospice for their wonderful care during the 2 1/2 years he lived there. A trisagion service will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, September 21, 2012 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church with a Makaria luncheon and burial at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory following the funeral service. Father Michael Diavatis will officiate at both services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

Tributes

Mr. John Xenakis

April 19, 1919 - September 19, 2012