John Zannikos

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Zannikos, “Papou Yanni” 88, of Wyckoff, New Jersey on September 12th, 2023. He was a devoted husband, father, son, papou, uncle and friend. His generosity and kindness to family, friends and even strangers were like no other.

John immigrated to the United States when he was a young boy from Chios, Greece leaving behind his parents and eight siblings. His determination for success in finding the American Dream was unprecedented. He worked tirelessly through many jobs in the restaurant industry and made his way to NY where after several years he bought and sold a dozen restaurants resulting in owning and operating the well-known “Three Guys” on Madison Ave in New York.

He was a parishioner of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wyckoff, New Jersey where he was a member of the Ahepa Men’s Group enjoying many memorable outings and making lifelong friends. He was proud to volunteer his time and cooking expertise for the annual Greek festival.

His enjoyment of many hobbies was endless. He was an avid gardener where he grew his favorite vegetables and fruits, sharing his bountiful harvests with his neighbors. Cooking and grilling were his specialties where he created his favorite Greek dishes like spanakopita, pastichio and tiropitas. And he always looked forward to Monday nights when he would meet with his friends and show off his poker skills.

He enjoyed spending time with his family at his condo in Highland Beach, Florida where he found pleasure in early morning fishing trips and time on the beach. His annual trip back to his hometown in Chios, Greece was very special to him where he was able to catch up with extended family at his favorite coffee house.

He is predeceased in death by his parents Stamati and Stamatias, his siblings Tony, Nick, Gus, Despina, Maria, and his son John Zannikos.

Family meant everything to John; he was the patriarch of the family. He is survived by his loving wife June (nee Ward) of 58 years, his daughter Stephanie Gill (nee Zannikos) and son-in-law Jim Gill of Wyckoff, New Jersey. His son Stephen Zannikos, and his wife Elle of Rhode Island and brother-in-law John Ward and wife Joanne of Belvidere, New Jersey. John will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Emma, Michael, and Paige from Wyckoff, New Jersey and Jessica, Ashley, and Jake from Rhode Island. He also leaves behind his brother Andreas in Chios, Greece and his sister Evangelia in Queens, New York and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John was an amazing person who leaves behind an incredible love for his family and a lifetime of stories which we will always cherish.

The Zannikos family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 until 6:00pm at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ  07481 followed by a Funeral Service on Monday 10:00am at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 467 Grandview Ave., Wyckoff, NJ  07481.  Interment will follow at Redeemer Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ.

In lieu of flowers the family requested donations to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.

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