Photo courtesy of B.W. Foster Funeral Home - Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH, Virginia
Apr 22, 1940 – May 6, 2016
Johnny Savas Joannou, 76, of Portsmouth, Virginia passed away on May 6, 2016 after a brief, but courageous battle with lung cancer. Born on April 22, 1940 in Brooklyn, New York, he was treasured son to the late Savas "Tommy" Joannou and Bessie Joannou.
Joannou moved to Portsmouth in 1945 with his family, subsequently forming a bond with the city and its citizens. Over the course of his years as a Portsmouth resident, he opened a private law practice that is still active today. Johnny also selflessly served the people of Portsmouth in the Virginia State Legislature's 13th and 79th districts for more than 30 years. Among numerous civic and fraternal organizations, Joannou was a 33rd Degree Mason with the Portsmouth Scottish Rite Bodies. He was also a member of Naval 100 Masonic Lodge, and the Robert E. Lee, Chapter 122, Order of AHEPA.
Johnny touched many lives and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Chris Joannou, of Portsmouth, daughter Dr. Stephanie Joannou Menefee, son-in-law Keith, and granddaughter Athena. He is also survived by cousins Michael Kalesperides and wife Helen, Katina Lipford and husband Lester, Savas Kalesperides and wife Nitsa, and Nitsa Yianni; sisters-in-law Helen Savalas, Bess Decker and Ann Kolantis; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Joannou is predeceased by brothers-in-law Anthony P. Kolantis, and Peter G. Decker, Jr.
There will be a Trisaginon at Foster Funeral Home in Portsmouth on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 6:30pm. Funeral services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Norfolk, Virginia.
Represented me once for a penny!
LeRoy Reynolds
May 01, 2021 | Portsmouth, VA | Acquaintance
To The Joannou Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Johnny was such a kind man. I often reflect back on the year I worked as his assistant during the General Assembly. As a young college student, I felt very flattered that he trusted me to do "important" political tasks - taking notes during committee meetings, voting in his absence, and opening his mail. Johnny was so sweet. He will forever be in my heart.
Martha Bowers
May 18, 2016 | Las Vegas, NV
Remembered By
danny thompson
May 12, 2016 | Hertford, NC
Johnny's departure was so swift that I never got to say a proper goodbye and thank you for his kindness and faithful service over the years.
In recent times, whenever we members of various social justice groups visited Johnny to ask for support for issues before the General Assembly, he was a careful listener and generous with his time. Even when he disagreed with us, we felt his genuine care for people.
May Johnny go from strength to strength in God's mercy!
Julia Dorsey Loomis
May 10, 2016 | Portsmouth, VA
I had the pleasure working for Mr. Joannou in many campaigns in the city of Portsmouth many years ago. We had a lot of conversations which I will never forget. He was a kind and gentle man who spoke his mind. That's what I loved about him so much. My heart goes out to his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. RIP, Mr. Joannou.
Tamra Roper
May 10, 2016 | Suffolk, VA
Holding his family and friends in the heart of love.
Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky
May 10, 2016 | Portsmouth, VA
Chris, Stephanie and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Ben and Terri Goff
May 10, 2016 | Portsmouth, VA
Chris and Stephanie. This town will never be the same without Johnny and his friendly smile. All of the memories I have of John from my childhood to adulthood will live forever in my heart. He did so much for so many people, and he served our city and state with such pride. I have a feeling that mom is probably discussing politics with him right now, especially regarding the City of Portsmouth's state of affairs! We will all miss him so very much and send our deepest sympathy to the family....
Holly Yates Ashberry
May 09, 2016 | Portsmouth, VA
We were saddened to hear of the death of Johnny. He was extremely kind and generous to our family. In 1961 he was our best man and he also was the godfather of our daughter Marian. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family. May his memory be eternal.
Bob and Irene Wood
May 09, 2016 | Paradise Valley, AZ