John Aboud Jr.

John Aboud Jr., age 82, passed into eternal life at 8:55 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2025, with his loving wife of 59 years by his side.

Born on September 28, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky, to John and Nettie Elias Aboud (deceased), John graduated from Waggener High School and attended Trinity High School. He went on to earn his degree from the University of Kentucky and later attended the Brandeis School of Law.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanette Greer Aboud, and their three daughters: Amy Aboud, Angela Aboud Jones (Steve), and Allison Aboud Holzer (Paul). He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Briley, Eleni, Brennan ("Bucky"), Aidan, Adrian, and Isaac. He is also survived by his sisters Diana Aboud Zanetti (Pete), Bonnie Aboud Clements (John) and many nieces, nephews and cousins who were all so dear to his heart.

Visitation will be held at Holy Trinity Church on Tuesday, November 4, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. A Celebration of Life will take place at Big Spring Country Club from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. All friends and family are warmly invited to attend.

While at the University of Kentucky, John was a proud member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, Gamma Iota Chapter. A lifelong learner and community builder, he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, San Marco Council #6344, and Elks Lodge #8.

John came from a family of entrepreneurs and carried that legacy forward throughout his life. Even as an 11-year-old, he displayed his sharp business sense: given $10 a week to mow the family lawn, he hired a neighbor to do it for $9 and kept $1 in profit. Over the years, he managed his parents' business, owned and operated several retail stores, and opened both a fish restaurant and a chicken restaurant. Later, he became a pioneer in the tax industry, founding Refunds Now, a company that supported thousands of independent tax professionals nationwide.

In retirement, John found joy in food, friendship, and community through his passion for barbecue. He became a Master Barbecue Judge, volunteering at competitions that raised funds for charitable causes. In 2021, he was honored as the #1 Judge in the Kansas City Barbecue Association, a testament to his expertise and enthusiasm for all things barbecue.

John will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, sharp wit, generous heart, and unwavering love for family, friends and community.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to your favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the Jeanette & John Aboud UK Entrepreneur Scholarship.

Link to St. Jude's Memorial Page https://tinyurl.com/462xy8jx

You can direct memorial gifts payable to UK Philanthropy by mail at PO Box 910628 Lexington, KY 40591-0628 or online at https://give.uky.edu/. With either method donors can reference the scholarship name (Jeanette & John Aboud UK Entrepreneurship scholarship) either in memo section of a check or for online gifts, the donor will type the name of the scholarship into the "Select your Fund(s)" section of the giving form.