Still missing my friend John. He always had a smile, good food and open arms for our Dahlgren Swim Team after-meet pizza nights, my brownie troop, boy scouts and school groups. He will always have a special place in my heart, along with his beautiful wife, Androula. My heart goes out to you, Androula. Sending much love to you and your family. Gloria Burnley.

True Love

Dear Androulla, Peter, Nicko, Stephania, Olivia, and Maximus and John’s family members, I was so saddened to learn of John’s passing, and can only imagine the loss that each of you feel at this time, I wanted to share with you an example of the thoughtfulness and caring for other’s wellbeing that exemplifies that type of man John was. My name is Jim Estes, although from the very first morning that I met him John would greet me in his affectionate manner, as “Jimmy.” I Drove a handicap van to and from work at JWAC and was given a parking space right across from and closest to the entrance that served as the space that John and his family and staff provided the best meals on the base. There were several mornings when I would arrive for work and would remain in there gathering up books, papers, and lunch and water, etc. that had fallen off of the seats in my van while negotiating’ the turns and challenges of Route 208. And when I would take more than a few minutes to exit my van, I would see John in the restaurant wearing his customary chef’s apron. And he would move closer to the doors there, the longer it would be taking me to gather my goods and balance it all on my lap before exiting my van and rolling along the sidewalk to the entrance doors, There were those times when things were a little too difficult to get out the door ramp of my van to start the day. And I quickly learned it did not matter to John how busy the restaurant would be – he would time my exit and if it was seeming to John that I may be experiencing a problem, or stress or a seizure – he would swiftly walk/run out to my van to check on me, to make sure that I was alright! He would assist me in getting organized and out of my van and on to my assigned work station. And as hard as I tried to get out of my van in an orderly and succinct time, there was almost every month that John would see fit to shuttle out to check on me. Kindness yes, but what John was doing was connecting with me and giving selflessly of himself on those mornings when he could see that an aging veteran needed that extra support to simply get in the building! And like anyone who was fortunate to have met John, it didn’t take long for our relationship to broaden and we shared stories about life, family and what it takes to be a good husband, a good father, and the importance of being a part of our grandchildren’s lives. To some, what John offered me in terms of physical and motivation support on those mornings when things were amiss in my van, or I simply was in a lot of pain and questioning whether I could keep the pace necessary to be a valuable and contributing team member – that is when I would hear as he came out to check on me…”Jimmy, Jimmy do you need some help today!” And yes, I did and you provided me with the right amount of gathering my items and placing everything in my red bag, so that everything would be fine. John I miss you. And I know that you are in Heaven finding your fellow Angels and assisting them in any way you can. That is because this is what John does best. Caring and helping those less fortunate, those who need an extra hand to get through the day! May God Bless and keep you all in His warm embrace during this most difficult of times. Jim Estes

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of my adopted papou. He made me smile every morning on the way to my office and added a few pounds. He will be missed by many.

My heart hurts for this loss. John always served with a smile, plus it was always delicious cuisine. He helped so many people with what he did for our community even down to his suggestion to add feta to an omelette (that a coworker still does today)! We will miss you John and hugs to all the Koufoudakis family ❤️?.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. John will be truly missed.

My Sympathy & prayers to the family. John was a generous person and so supportive of this community. Sad to hear he passed away. REST IN PEACE John.

Debra and l were so very sad to hear about this very large loss to the wonderful koufoudakis family we remember how much we enjoyed seeing John and androulla when they brought stefania and peter to our preschool . What sweet children they were we think of them often. I know how much they loved their father! Our prayers are with you and all of your family.

John fed us more than than delicious home fries, eggs with feta, and roasted chicken on Friday; he shared his love of family and life. Our prayers are with his family and we mourn this loss in our community.

I am so very sad to hear of your family’s loss. I pray that God provides each of you strength to get through this difficult time and peace sharing happy memories with each other. My deepest and heartfelt sympathy, Linda

So sorry to hear this sad news. I used to love coming to Roma’s when I was a kid and then by the time I was a teen I’d walk to Marathon’s all the time. Your family has always been so friendly to everyone who walked through your doors and the community in general. Thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief, and always. <3

We are so very sorry to hear of your passing. We would like to extend our condolences to the family. Praying for peace. Mary & Linnie

John, I have this sorrow in my heart. I’m so sad that you have left us, but you will be in a better place. Thank you so much for been the kind of person that you always was. R.I.P. My condolences for all the family members and my prayers. You will be missed, but never forgotten…

So sad to see a really good person move on from this life, but from talking with him the past several years, and learning of all he has done, I know he is in the best place imaginable. God speed John!

I will miss your smile our conversations. Rest in Peace my friend.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of sadness.

John and I had so many wonderful conversations while he owned Marathons on base. I would listen to his wisdom and funny stories. He always gave me a boost to finish my day after lunch. I will miss him. RIP John.

We are saddened and heartbroken of the news of John’s passing. The Koufoudaki family has taken us in when Ben was posted in Dahlgren and opened their arms and welcomed us since day 1. So many fond memories, so many dinners and car fixes. We were so honored when Androulla became the Godmother of Ben. Who does that when you barely know us? That is how wonderful they are. While the tears flow and are hearts are broken we know that John is high up in Heaven surrounded by the Angels. Rest in Peach John, you will be greatly missed by all of us.

John always had a smile for me each time I passed by. His food was a treat for our King George community. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with his family.

John was very kind to my daughter when I brought her by one of his restaurants even though he didn\’t know either of us. He brought her extra goodies. Our sympathies and prayers to Androulla and family. I know he will be missed.

John was very kind to my daughter when I brought her by one of his restaurants even though he didn’t know either of us. He brought her extra goodies. Our sympathies and prayers to Androulla and family. I know he will be missed.

My heart is sad when I heard the passing of my dear friend Yianni! Androulla mou, Panagiotis, Nikos, Stefania, Douglas and grandchildren please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of the most special person in your lives. Yiannis and Androulla were my family away from home for over three years while working in Dahlgreen. We joked, laughed and told historical trivial events of our Greek ancestors. I truly appreciated their hospitality. They always made me feel welcomed and treated me as a member of their family. Dear Yianni have a nice trip (kalo taxidi) to heaven. I know you will be going to a better place where there is no pain nor suffering, but life eternal. Αιωνία σου η μνήμη!

I am so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Since retiring in Jan I have missed getting delicious food for lunch or breakfast. John was always very nice and friendly. He always had a kind word and smile when I saw him in 1490. My condolences to his family.