JOHN M. TSANGEOS (97) was born to Mike and Kalliopi Tsangeos in Steubenville, Ohio. John passed away on April 6 after a brief illness. John graduated from Steubenville High School. While a student at Ohio University, John volunteered for the Army during World War II. John was assigned to the 1897th Aviation Engineers. They grimly called themselves “the Suicide Squad” as they rebuilt bridges and runways ahead of advancing troops while under enemy fire. For his heroic service John received numerous citations and decorations including four bronze battle stars. John was proud to be a member of the American Legion. Following the war, John returned to Canton and finished college. John met the love of his life, Anne Liolios, at Canton, Ohio, where he proposed marriage on the top of the Meyers Lake Ferris wheel, so he could “jump off if she said no”. Married in 1948, John and Anne were inseparable in business, in travel, and in life. Their beloved daughter, Kathy, married James Dieringer. From this marriage came the great joys of John’s (Papou) and Anne’s (Yiayia) lives, grandchildren Steven, Jonathan, and Laura (deceased). Anne’s call of “Oh Johnny” first rang out as they owned the Texas Steer Restaurant in downtown Canton. John and Anne owned the Majorette on Fulton Road, the first carhop drive-in on roller skates in Canton. They operated Q.P. Hamburg on south Market and other restaurants where they worked long hours in service to their patrons. John taught restaurant skills at Goodwill. Always busy, John worked until the age of 80. Last year John compiled and authored two cookbooks.
Throughout life, John had a knack for remembering names and was a loyal friend to those around him. He had a reverence for work and for working people.
John was a devout Christian, active at both St. Haralambos and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox churches. He was a member of both the Men’s Club and the Silver Liners. John proudly wore his father’s cross, given to him as he left for WWII combat. His cross and his faith comforted him in those dark and terrifying times. Through the war and during times of great sorrow during life, John’s faith was unfailing. Predeceased by his parents, Mike and Kalliopi Tsangeos, sister, Stella Stambolis, brothers, Nick and Tony Tsangeos, friends Mike Sousaris and Leroy Dieringer, and numerous family and friends both here and in Greece. After a brief illness, John passed away at Bethany Nursing home with his many friends among the residents and staff. Jim and Kathy thank Dr. Elizabeth Baum, NP Abbey Baum-Beigie, John’s friend John Baum, and all the caring staff at Bethany Nursing Home for making John’s final years, and those with his beloved Anne, both loving and well cared for. Services will be at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, 251 25th St NW, with calling hours 10-11:00 Monday, April 11. The Funeral service will be at 11:00, Monday, at the church with Rev. Dr. Nicholas V. Gamvas officiating. Internment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery beside John’s beloved Anne and Laura. A mercy meal will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Laura Dieringer Scholarship Fund at St. Haralambos Church.
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