Obituary of John G. Kontos

John G. Kontos Age 95, of Joliet, IL died peacefully, Saturday June 25, 2016 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. He was born November 23, 1920 in Joliet to the late Irene (nee Calamaras) and Gust Kontos and was raised in Greece. John returned to Joliet at the age of fourteen to complete his education and begin a long career as an area businessman which was only interrupted while he proudly served his Country in Europe during WWII with the U.S. Army. As he was raised with a tireless work ethic, his pursuit of owning a business materialized after returning from the service when he, his brother Nick and brother-in-law, John Samios were involved in the grocery business in Elgin and Joliet. Long days were no stranger to him and he would go home only when the job was done. John was one of the original partners of Town and Country Lanes which opened in Joliet in 1958. He eventually became sole proprietor and had been working side by side with his son George since 1976 in the operation of the bowling alley. He was known by his staff and customers as a hard working man who led by example and was always appreciative of all customers, past and present. He always felt as if they were family. Beloved husband of 55 years to the late Sophie (nee Griparis); loving father of George (Cindy) Kontos, Lea Kontos and Joni (Mark) Gonzalez; proud grandfather of DeAnna Kontos, John (Kelly) Kontos; Jori, Kelsey and Lindsay Gonzalez; fond brother of the late Nick (late Julia) Kontos and the late Mary (late John) Samios; dear brother-in-law of the late Mary (late Peter) Honiotes, Jim (Carolyn) Griparis, Jack (Judy) Griparis, Helen (late Jim) Chioles, Mimi (late Fred) Howland and Penny (late John) Obren. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. The Kontos family would like to express their sincere gratitude to John's caregivers, Bayaar and Sedhi whose compassion and wonderful care will always be remembered. Additionally, the staffs of JOHA, Presence St. Joseph Medical Center and Alden Estates for the excellent level of comfort provided to Mr. Kontos. A special thank you to Dr. Pundaleeka for his years of guidance and friendship. Mr. Kontos was a longtime member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, AHEPA, the Mykonos Society and AF & AM Matteson Lodge #175. He supported many local causes over the years and was also a 50 year member of the Bowling Proprietors of America. He was also a lifetime Cubs fan. All friends and relatives are invited to meet Thursday June 30, 2016, at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 102 N. Broadway St in Joliet where services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation Wednesday 2 - 8 p.m. with Trisagion services at 6: 30 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to AHEPA Cooley's Anemia Foundation, 1909 Q Street Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20009, All Saints Greek Orthodox Church or Joliet Area Community Hospice.