Obituary of John G. Frangakis

John G. Frangakis passed away at the age of 93, with his beloved family by his side. He will be remembered eternally as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and as a devout and faithful Greek Orthodox Christian.

John was born on the island of Chios, Greece, the eldest son of George and Irene Frangakis. Having lost his father at the age of eight, he took a central role in the care of his mother and younger brother. He served in the Greek Army, then joined the Greek Merchant Marine, where he traveled to many countries throughout the world.

In May 1967 John, along with his wife and young children, emigrated to the United States seeking a better life and opportunities for his family. He proudly became a naturalized citizen in 1972. He was employed at the Owens-Illinois Kimble glass works in Vineland, New Jersey for nearly 25 years. In recognition of his strong work ethic, knowledge of operations, and mastery of the most challenging machinery, upon his retirement in 1997, he was named Retiree of the Year.

John was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Anthony in Vineland, since its founding in the mid-1970s, where he faithfully served his church and community as a cantor for over 40 years. He was also a member of the Greek Orthodox Byzantine Choir of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey. In 2019 he was recognized by the Metropolis for the zeal and enthusiasm with which he tirelessly offered himself for the spiritual benefit and sustained growth of the Church and Metropolis as a devoted steward of the Greek Orthodox community of St. Anthony. Additionally, John was a long-time member of the local chapter of the American Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association (AHEPA).

Throughout his life, John found his greatest fulfillment in supporting and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. John enjoyed the warm company of good friends and was known for his humor and quick wit. An avid gardener, his yard was filled with beautiful flowers and a variety of produce and fruit, which he readily shared. He was an accomplished cook, a skilled woodworker, and a life-long learner, especially of Greek Orthodox scripture, music, and texts.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Maria, his son George Frangakis and his wife Kelly, and his daughters Evelyn Frangakis and Katina Frangakis. He was a cherished grandfather to John and Ariana. John is also survived by his younger brother, Panagiotis and his wife Maria, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Anthony in Vineland on Wednesday, August 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with funeral services commencing at 12:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow at Siloam Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor John's memory may make donations to the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Anthony, 430 W. Wheat Rd., Vineland, NJ 08360.