John Bitsakis
1933 - 2025
John Bitsakis, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, November 28th, with his family by his side. Born to the late Nikolaos Bitsakis and Olga (Drakakis) Bitsakis, he joins his late parents, as well as his predeceased brothers Iakovos and Eftihi, and sisters Eleni, Antonia, Argiro, and Evangelia in peace.
He was born in 1933 in the village of Liváda, in the Chania region of Crete, Greece. The youngest of seven children, John emigrated to America in 1952 in search of a better life. He settled in Springfield and, through hard work and courage, built the future he dreamed of.
In 1959, he married the love of his life, Panagiota (Catsi) Bitsakis (†1996), and together they raised their two children, Olga and Nick. He was a devoted and selfless father who worked multiple jobs, always putting his family first. In the early 1970s, he opened Golden Pizza in Springfield—a place filled with laughter, friendships, and community. He ran it proudly until his retirement.
He adored spending time with his family, and nothing brought him more pride than watching his grandson, Loukas, grow. He cherished every moment with him. He shared his final days with his family, and he fell asleep in his favorite chair, after having received Holy Communion.
John leaves behind his daughter, Olga; his son and daughter-in-law, Nick and Argiro; his beloved grandson, Loukas John; and many relatives and friends who will remember him for his kindness, generosity, and unshakable love for those in his life. His legacy lives on in his family, in every memory, and in the many lives he touched.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 5th, at 10am at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 400 Prospect Street, East Longmeadow, MA, with a viewing beginning at 9am. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Springfield, Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 400 Prospect Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.
May his memory be eternal.
He was born in 1933 in the village of Liváda, in the Chania region of Crete, Greece. The youngest of seven children, John emigrated to America in 1952 in search of a better life. He settled in Springfield and, through hard work and courage, built the future he dreamed of.
In 1959, he married the love of his life, Panagiota (Catsi) Bitsakis (†1996), and together they raised their two children, Olga and Nick. He was a devoted and selfless father who worked multiple jobs, always putting his family first. In the early 1970s, he opened Golden Pizza in Springfield—a place filled with laughter, friendships, and community. He ran it proudly until his retirement.
He adored spending time with his family, and nothing brought him more pride than watching his grandson, Loukas, grow. He cherished every moment with him. He shared his final days with his family, and he fell asleep in his favorite chair, after having received Holy Communion.
John leaves behind his daughter, Olga; his son and daughter-in-law, Nick and Argiro; his beloved grandson, Loukas John; and many relatives and friends who will remember him for his kindness, generosity, and unshakable love for those in his life. His legacy lives on in his family, in every memory, and in the many lives he touched.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 5th, at 10am at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 400 Prospect Street, East Longmeadow, MA, with a viewing beginning at 9am. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Springfield, Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 400 Prospect Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.
May his memory be eternal.
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