John M. Fakelis, 86, of Canton, Ohio, beloved husband, father, papou, and friend to anyone who met him passed peacefully in his sleep on March 4, 2023.

Born January 30, 1937 in Pispilounta, Chios, Greece, he traveled the world throughout his life, first as a Merchant Marine and later in life during his yearly winter cruises with many of his beloved cousins and friends, which he always looked forward to.

In 1968 John met and married Dina (Sitara) Fakelis in Athens, and together they came to the United States and went on to build an amazing life together and become pillars of the Greek Community.

In Greece, he owned and operated a Cafe Bar and continued in the restaurant business when coming to the US. As a true testament to the American Dream, John's business acumen with only a sixth-grade education allowed him to start and build what has now become John's Gyro King Concessions and earned him the moniker "John the Gyro King." Many recognize his smile, and many friendships were made at the various fairs and festivals in Northeast Ohio.

John was a member of St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, where he was active in the Men's Club, Silver Liners, Agia Markella Chios Society, and a member of the Canton Chapter Order of AHEPA. He was a founding member and multi-year Co-Chair of the St. Haralambos Greek Summerfest and was awarded Man of the Year for his faithful service to the church. He spoke often of the time in 1958, when he and his brother Louis helped to prepare and move icons during the moving of the church. Preceded in death by his father Michael, his mother Kiriaky (Rallis), brothers Dimitri (Paraskavi) and Louis, sisters Markella (James) Kazes and Maria (Stelio) Rallis and brother-in-law Stamati Rallis.

Survived by his adoring wife Dina (Sitara), children Michael and his wife Stephanie, Kostandinos "Gus" and his wife Maria, Kiriaky "Kay" and her husband Jason, all of Canton; sisters-in-law, Clara Fakelis and Tina Rallis; the light of his life, the six that called him Papou - Emmanuel, Thaddeus, Amelia, Yianni, Ianni and Antonia; and many nieces, nephews and godchildren both here and abroad that were very near and dear to his heart.

Family and Friends will be received on Wednesday, March 8 from 5-7:00 PM at Rossi Family Funeral Home with the Trisagion Service at 5:00 PM. Calling hours will also be held Thursday, March 9 at 10:00 AM, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 AM at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, with Rev. Dr. Nicholas V. Gamvas and Rev. Fr. Nicholas Halkias officiating.

Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.