John Lambros Marakas

Marakas John Lambros Marakas, age 90, of Upper Arlington, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2016. John was born and raised in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, son of the late Gust and Elizabeth Marakas. Also preceded in death by his beloved wife Alice Marakas and brother George Marakas. Following high school, John proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served his country during WWII. John was a humble, generous and intelligent man who had a great sense of humor. He began his career in insurance in 1949, working at Acacia Mutual Life, Continental Assurance Co., and Reserve Life Insurance Co. In January of 1971, he became vice president of Nationwide Corp. He became president of Nationwide Corp. in 1972 and president of Nationwide Life and of Financial Horizons Life in 1982. In 1987, he became chairman of Nationwide Investing and was also on the boards of other Nationwide companies as well. John was a member of the American Academy of Actuaries, Association of Ohio Life Insurance Cos. and Business Executives for National Security, past chairman of the Health Insurance Association of America, past president of the Life Office Management Association, former regent of Capital University, former vice president of the Ohio unit of the American Council of Life Insurers, former board member of the Ohio affiliate of the National Society to Prevent Blindness. He was prominently involved with both LifeCare Alliance, a non-profit agency serving the elderly, and the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. He has been a longtime advocate and active leader in health and wellness, healthcare, and healthy lifestyle issues. He was a former board member of Planned Parenthood. In 1991, the John L. Marakas/Nationwide Insurance Foundation Chair was established in honor of John. The chair allowed the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute at the Ohio State University to create a senior faculty position for cancer research. In addition, John enjoyed playing tennis, jogging, traveling, and routing for his beloved Pittsburg Pirates and the University of Michigan. He will be greatly missed by his loving children, John (Barbie) Marakas, MD, Nancy (Christopher) Krumm, and Donna (Nemesio Gomez) Marakas; grandchildren, John (Katie) Marakas, Brent Marakas, Kimberly (Robert) Chamberlin, Megan Marakas, and Spencer Strongson; great grandchildren, Cecilia and Camilla Marakas; and other extended family members and dear friends. Family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, November 5, 2016 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd., where a memorial service celebrating John's life will begin at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, 3960 Brookham Dr., Grove City, Ohio 43123 or the Kobacker House, c/o OhioHealth Foundation, P.O. Box 600001, Columbus, Ohio 43272-9802. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.