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BORN
1940
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Johnny Joannou Obituary
Portsmouth - 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Johnny Joannou
Sponsored by the family.
LeRoy Reynolds
May 1, 2021
Represented me once for a penny!
Martha Bowers
May 18, 2016
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.
Julia Dorsey Loomis
May 10, 2016
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!
Tamra Roper
May 10, 2016
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.
Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky
May 10, 2016
Holding his family and friends in the heart of love.
Ben and Terri Goff
May 10, 2016
Chris, Stephanie and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Holly Yates Ashberry
May 9, 2016
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. Love you both.
Bob and Irene Wood
May 9, 2016
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.
JR Drake Michelle Capestany
May 9, 2016
Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Chris and daughter Stephanie.
We were blessed to meet you in unfortunate circumstances. We pray God's love and comfort for your family. Mr. Johnny RIP
757-288-5075
Ginger Harrison
May 9, 2016
Johnny,
I'm glad you were someone I got to share your kindness; thoughtfuliness; & friendship during your life time. God Bless you,
May 9, 2016
To the Joannou Family
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to you. Johnny was a dear and kind man who will be greatly missed. May his memory always be a blessing to you.
From the Burton Family: Margaret Anne,
Jan, Michael, Shelley and Hilda.
Ronald Williams
May 9, 2016
Dear Chris, Stephanie and Family,
On behalf of the City of Suffolk Treasurer's Office, I want to extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of Johnny. Johnny and I have been friends for many years. We have worked on many campaigns together, and legislative projects. Johnny was a hard working, dedicated gentleman, who was committed to making Virginia a better place to live. Many knew him and many will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Ronald H. Williams, City Treasurer and
Office Staff
May 9, 2016
WHAT A GREAT GUY!
Johnny came from a very loving wonderful Joannou Family & our family considered him a long time personal friend. He was a very giving person; touched my family's life in many, many ways & will be truly missed. He gave so much to others & certainly did his part serving in his community during his life to help make it a better place for us to live.
May you rest in peace & God Bless Your Family Too! We Love You.....Johnny.
The YBarra Family
Portsmouth, VA
Cardell Patillo, Sr.
May 9, 2016
Chris and Stephanie, Linda and I are truly sadden by the lost of Johnny. Johnny was a Great Man who loved his Family and People. He was a Dear Friend to the Patillo Family and will Always live in Our Hearts. May God comfort You Both during this time of sadness. Cardell and Linda Patillo
C Harris
May 9, 2016
When I worked at Zale's MidCity in the middle 70s, he was our attorney. A truly nice person. I am heartbroken by the news of his passing. He represented all Tidewater Zale's at the time.
Denise Thomas
May 9, 2016
Mr. Joannou raised a wonderful daughter. May his legacy live on through her, and his granddaughter!
Mary White
May 9, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband, father, and grandfather. I know how much he was loved and that he will be dearly missed. We go back many years as our family was very close to his family, and I know what a great loss his passing is. You have my deepest sympathy.
Joanne Howell
May 9, 2016
What a nice, jovial man he was. I only had 2 or 3 interactions with him over the years. Say hi to Jim Ligon Johnny. May your family find peace and be comforted until you meet again.
Lamont Simmons
May 9, 2016
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends, colleagues and neighbors on the passing of the beloved Johnny. He is sorely missed.
James and Cynthia (contractor that worked for Mr Joannou ) brown
May 8, 2016
Mrs Joannou, we were very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Joannou. You and your family are in our prayers. If there is anything that we can do, please feel free to contact us.
Bobby Watson
May 8, 2016
A friend of over 40 years. I will miss him so much.
Bassam Kawwass
May 8, 2016
Heartbroken and saddened, we send our condolences to Chrissy, Stephanie and Keuth. We will always remember you, Johnny, with your charming smile and compassionate advocacy for principles and correctness. You will always be in our minds and hearts. We miss you. Bassam and Nada Kawwas
May 8, 2016
Dear Mrs. Joannou and Dr. Stephanie,
I am so sorry about your loss of Mr. Joannou, I always liked to see him bring Stephanie to see Dr. Dexters, so many fathers could not do this. It will be a long struggle for you, but I am sure that you have so many memories. I have such good memories of you and Stephanie. Juanita Wilkie
Bernie Kirsch
May 8, 2016
Johnny was a good man whose memory will be kept close in my heart for as long as I am around.
He was a man of conviction and integrity...what he thought, he acted on and the world is a better place because of his dedication to public service.
I am proud to have counted him as a friend.
Good night sweet prince and may flights of angels take you to your rest.
LeRoy Reynolds
May 8, 2016
Johnny was a true gentleman. He once represented me and for his services he charged me "one penny". I never forgot that and never will. Rest in peace dear friend.
Tammy Pendergrass
May 7, 2016
He was a great man. I worked with him at his law firm for many years. He will be deeply missed.
oliver willis
May 7, 2016
God bless you and Chris ,Stephanie
We love you always
Bert Fary
May 7, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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Funeral services provided by:
B.W. Foster Funeral Home - Portsmouth1926 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704
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