John K. "Dundee" Atsalis

HYANNIS — John Konstantinos Atsalis, 75, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on March 10, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Lynn, on Aug. 1, 1933, he was the youngest child of the late Katina (Pazakis) Atsalis and Konstantinos D. Atsalis. He moved to Cape Cod in 1939 with his family and they made the village of Hyannis their home. Upon graduating from Barnstable High School, class of 1951, he continued working in the family business, Charlie's Variety Store in Hyannis.

He enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War in July 1952, proudly serving at his last assignment as a member of the 60th Fighter Inceptor Squadron at Otis AFB. Upon his honorable discharge in July 1956, he married Marina Hatzis of Nashua, N.H., and they were blessed to have shared 53 great years together.

John, better known as "Dundee" by family and his oldest of friends, was active in real estate, owned and operated the Waquoit Country Corner, and in 1970 founded with his wife Marina the Marjon Print & Frame Shop in Hyannis. He was a proud member of the East End Five, a member of DeMolay, the Fraternal Lodge of Masons, Hyannis Elks Lodge 1549, American Legion Post 206, Barnstable County Deputy Sheriffs Association and a 50-year member of the Barnstable Democratic Town Committee. He served as member of the Cape Cod Community College Board of Trustees from 1978 to 1981.

In 1966, he ran for the office of State Representative in Barnstable. A well known fixture in local politics, John was always a willing listener, an active debater, free with advice and always selflessly there to lend support when needed or asked. His kitchen table at home was known for countless political discussions with family and friends.

John was actively involved with youth baseball in the Hyannis community. His love of the game and children reflected in his sponsorship of the Marjon Print & Frame Shop team of the Barnstable Little League. He was a founding member of the Barnstable Baseball Club that was instrumental in establishing the first American Legion Baseball program in Barnstable, and a supporter of Babe Ruth Baseball. Through the years nothing could keep him away from a game of baseball; sand lots to the Boston Red Sox, to quietly watching and encouraging his children and grandchildren in a game of sports. He derived great joy from his grandchildren and was unequivocally proud of them.

John was an active member of the St. George Orthodox Church of Cape Cod in Centerville, serving as Church Board member and on several church committees for many years. John was actively involved and a familiar face during the annual Grecian Festival sponsored by the St. George Church. He was appointed Laity Representative in 2007. Recognized for his service to the St. George parish, he received the Greek Orthodox Church's highest honor, the Metropolis of Boston Ministry Award, presented to him by his Eminence Metropolitan Methodios. He was most proud of his membership with his six sons in the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), Cape Cod Chapter 483, a philanthropic organization supporting Cape Cod programs and academic scholarships. He was a stellar member of the elusive and exclusive 3-13 Club.

After retirement, John could be seen passing the summer days working in his parking lot on Ocean Street, smoking a good cigar, always with a smile and engaged in good conversation with his "regulars." John loved cooking, talking politics, family gatherings, sports, reading, his computer, the Florida sun, parasailing, and summer garden tomatoes. He loved his family and valued his friendships.

Marina, his sons and their wives, grandchildren, family and friends are all blessed to have known him as husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

John is survived by his wife, Marina H. Atsalis; sons, Konstantinos J. "Dino" Atsalis and his wife Leone of Exeter, N.H., Silas J. Atsalis and his wife Danette of Centerville, Peter J. Atsalis and his wife Maureen of Marstons Mills, Christopher J. Atsalis of Hyannis, Demetrius J. Atsalis and his wife Monika of West Hyannisport, Nikolas J. Atsalis and his wife Dawn of Centerville; 14 grandchildren, John and Michael Atsalis; John, Nikolas, Kristina and Andrew Atsalis; Marina Atsalis, Jessica and Micaela Archibald; Karolina, Rebecka, and Lukas Atsalis; George and Sofia Atsalis. John is also survived by his sister, Sadie Bloom of Hyannis; sister-in-law, Katina Atsalis of Hyannis; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Helen, and brothers, Demetrius, James and Russell.

Visiting hours will be held at the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road (Route 28), Marstons Mills, on Sunday, March 15, from 3 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 16, in the St. George Orthodox Church of Cape Cod, 1130 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632-3022. Burial will follow in Mosswood Cemetery in Cotuit.

In lieu of flowers please, memorial donations may be made to the Order of AHEPA Scholarship & Community Fund, Cape Cod Chapter 483, P.O. Box 1036, Centerville, MA 02632-1036.