John Nicholas Konstandinidis

John Nicholas Konstandinidis (age 91) of Annandale, VA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 9, 2018. He was born on January 27, 1927, in Sparta, Greece, to Nikolaos and Maria (Kavouris) Konstandinidis.

He is survived by his wife, Alexandra, of nearly 71 years and his 2 children: Nick (Esther) and Mary (Stratis Varlas); four grandchildren: Sophia (M. Brian Bohle), John, David (Danielle) and Isabelle (Travis Moyer); and, eight great-grandchildren: Joshua, Jordyn, Stratis, Nikos, Niko, Mylo, Ella and Alexandra. And, a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews in the U.S., Canada and Greece. He was predeceased by his sister, Potoula Kivrikoseos, of Athens, Greece.

At the age of 15 years, he fled to Athens, Greece, to escape Nazi capture. During his time in Athens and the height of WWII, he honed his craft and was educated as a master mechanic. Shortly, thereafter, he met and fell head-over-heals-in-love with his future wife, Alexandra Kaskouras. Years later, he moved back to Sparta, Greece, with his family establishing his first business. However, in 1968, he immigrated to the United States as a master technician and settled in Arlington, VA, following his daughter’s move to the area one year prior. Within one year, he moved his wife and son from Greece and by 1971 opened up his second business in Georgetown, Washington, DC, and moved to his new home in Silver Spring, MD. Within a short period after that, John (or, “Mr. John, as so many referred to him) opened his third business in Silver Spring, MD. His son worked along side of him and became master of his craft, as well, while his daughter managed the business office. There wasn’t a day he didn’t have a full house of clients and friends dropping by for advice or a quick chat in the early morning hours. John was known for his loyalty, his honesty and his willingness to always offer a helping hand.

He was an active member within Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, VA, for many years always working the festivals and in charge of ‘loukoumades’ making; supported many local businesses and young entrepreneurs; coached a men’s soccer team; loved fishing whenever he could and was an avid car enthusiast and investor in local car racing. John loved his work, but, his family even more as he sacrificed for all of them. But, his greatest devotion towards the end of his life was in the care of his beloved wife in her failing health. His family will always remember him for his unwavering love and devotion, always running for and doing for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his humor and boldness; stubbornness and wit; and, his gift for story-telling.

John Nicholas Konstandinidis will lie in repose from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14th at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, VA 22041. Interment will follow at Fairfax Memorial Park Cemetery, 9900 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church.