John Foundas

John G. Foundas, loving husband, caring father, friend to all who knew him and successful businessman, died on Saturday at his home, in Harwich Port, MA., after a lengthy illness. He was 75 years young. Mr. Foundas was the founder and President of Goldwell of New England and Essential Salon Products, one of the leading beauty distribution firms in the U.S. At the time of his passing, John was surrounded at his home by his family and close friends. Among those included Sandi Pike Foundas, his devoted wife of 18 years, Sandi's mother Shirley Pike, Paula Foundas Russell, his beloved daughter, and his three grandchildren, John, Michael and Ryan Russell. John was born in Skoura, Sparta, Greece, one of four children to George and Kiriaki Foundas. He traveled to the United States at the age of 17 in 1957, where he settled in Newburgh, N.Y. During his time there, he was a successful owner of several beauty salons. In 1982, Mr. Foundas started Goldwell of New England and eventually relocated the business to Massachusetts. Besides representing the top brands in the beauty industry, the company also owned and operated retail stores throughout New England. Mr. Foundas was a generous member of the St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in Hyannis, MA. He was also a proud member and former president of AHEPA in Newburgh, NY. One of his happiest and proudest times was at the age of 65, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, he felt victorious and adventurous! John grew up as a young boy in Greece and was a shepherd, often tending his family's flock of sheep. In the last several years, he helped a cooperative of young farmers in Greece to grow their organic olive oil business and assist in the exportation into the United States. This gave him great joy to assist young business people while giving back to his homeland. During his spare time, John enjoyed walks with his wife, times by the sea with friends, gardening in his backyard, traveling to see his family both in California and Greece. He also treasured his times with his loyal sidekick, a rescued Tibetan Terrier named Clancy. In addition to his wife, Sandi Pike Foundas, John is survived by his daughter, Paula Foundas Russell, of Coto de Caza, California, she is married to John Russell, his three grandchildren, John Andrew Russell, Michael Foundas Russell and Ryan Peter Russell. He also leaves behind his brother Peter Foundas and his wife Angeliki Foundas, their son George, his sister Dimitra and husband Jimmy Vlachos, and their children Dr. Adrianna Vlachos-Shatz and Bill Vlachos; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Cape Cod?1130 Falmouth Road?Centerville MA 02632, with Father Peter officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Harwich, MA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to one or all of the organizations that have special meaning to John and Sandi: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of John G. Foundas to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift. Hearts United for Animals in memory of John G. Foundas to support the rescue and adoption of animals (this is the organization that rescued our sweet Clancy) P.O. Box 286, Auburn, NE, 68305 or via www.hua.org. VNA Hospice of Cape Cod in memory of John G. Foundas to support the loving work that these angels do for the patients and their families. Please give generously to PO Box 370, Hyannis MA 02601or via www.vnacapecod.org. For online condolences, please visit www.doanebealames.com.