JOHN HEROPOULOS (1926-2016)

90, of Canton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on October 8, 2016, following a brief convalescence. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Yvonne, with whom he raised five children. From the time they met and throughout their lives, the couple enjoyed ballroom dancing. John is survived by four daughters and a son: Parthena Draggett (Douglas) of Naples, FL; Para Jones, Ph.D. (Gregory) of Canton; Lisa Heropoulos Nardis (Charles) of Brecksville; Maria Heropoulos, M.D. (Michael MacKenzie) of Newport, CA; and son John Heropoulos (Deanna) of Canton; eight grandchildren: Elizabeth (George) Bassett of Alexandria, VA; Melissa (Joseph) Greenhill of Ft. Worth, TX; Kyle (Jenna) Jones of New York City; Christopher Jones, Esq. of Cincinnati; United States Naval Academy Midshipman 3 ^rd Class John Heropoulos and Alexander Heropoulos; Roxanne and Melissa MacKenzie of Newport, CA; and four great-grandchildren: Ann Douglas and Martha Bassett and James and Joseph Greenhill. He was proud that all children and grandchildren earned college degrees, including master's, doctorate and professional degrees. John retired from the Canton Police Department after 26 years as a patrolman, detective and sergeant, and then served as Stark State College first Chief of Security for 15 years. Throughout his life, John enjoyed family, friends and numerous hobbies and pastimes: jogging (50+ years) and fitness, reading, history and geography, walking, outdoors, music, dancing, food and serving as a local and ethnic historian. He had a photographic memory up to his last day. He was a key participant in an "oral history" project to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, where he was a lifelong member. He belonged to Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association), Downtown Canton YMCA, Road Runners and Police Boys Club. John was born, raised and lived his entire life in Canton, with the exception of serving in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. His parents Nicholas and Parthena (Karipides) Heropoulos immigrated to the U.S. in 1907, seeking refuge after the Greek diaspora in Pontus and other Ancient Greek cities in the Black Sea region of Turkey, whose history dates back to Homer. He is preceded in death by cherished relatives, especially his Aunt Paraskevi (who raised him after his mother's death, and for whom he was nicknamed "John Παρα "); Uncles Anastas (Tom) and Lazarus; brothers George and Ted (Aristotle); sisters Helen, Bertha and Betty; and godparents George and Mary Lazarides. In addition to his children and their families, John leaves behind his sister Mabel Saimes of Canton; and devoted godson George Papacostas, MD, of Canton. An avid reader, John enjoyed the North Branch of the Stark County District Library and appreciated the kindness and assistance of Coach Hazen and students during daily jogging and (later) walking at Malone University. John's memory will be eternal to his loving family, as will his legacy of independence, self-sufficiency, hard work, discipline, patriotism and reading. Rossi is handling arrangements. Calling hours are Friday, October 14 from 9:30 a.m. To 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4705 Fairhaven Ave. NW, Canton, followed by the funeral service, officiated by The Rev. Dr. Daniel M. Rogich, and the Makaria meal . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.