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John Karlis Obituary
John was preceded in death by his parents - Nikolos and Catherine, his sisters Nicki, Gloria and Voula, brother Michael, and daughter Felicia.
John is survived by his companion of over 20 years Katherine, daughter Catherine Seilkop and husband Mark, son Patrick Bertolino and wife Sonya, grandchildren Nicholas and Helen Seilkop, nephews Lorenzo and Nick Bortolotti, first wife Helen Moore and Katherine's sons Gregory and Kostos.
John was born to in 1939 in Athens Greece, was a son of a Greek Orthodox Priest and learned to speak eight languages. After serving in the Greek Merchant Marines John moved to Houston in the mid 1960's and with his work ethic owned several successful businesses. He was very active in the Greek Community in Houston and always lent a helping hand to those moving to the US from Greece.
After moving back to Athens in the late 1980's John continued his career and was committed to his companion Katherine.
John enjoyed being a tour guide to all those who visited him in Greece from the United States - expertly driving his Corolla around Athens busy streets - with the occasional comments to other drivers. He was always ready for an adventure and tall tale.
He is loved by his family and will be forever missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 18th in Houston hosted by his children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Polykrati Mara
June 10, 2022
"...Regrets, I've had a few but then again, too few to mention I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption...and more, much more than this, I did it my way.."
Catherine Seilkop
May 29, 2022
You will be missed dad. Your journey has begun and you must travel alone. Know you are loved!
Drudy Sullivan
May 20, 2022
I know he will be missed! He was always full of life and wearing a smile! Thinking of you all!
Mark Seilkop
May 18, 2022
The Great Greek
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