John Steve Charonis

John Steve Charonis passed away peacefully with his family at his side. He lived a full and beautiful life with many adventures and a large family that he loved, including a wife he treasured for 56 years of marriage and 8 beautiful grandchildren. He is survived by his eternal loving wife Stella Charonis, sons Steve (Jackie), Greg (Andree), and Angelo (Athanasia) and 8 grandchildren Jonathan, Nicholas, Giannis, Christopher, Vasili, Alexander, Stella and Chloe. He is the son of Stavros and Evangelia Tsatsaronakis (later modified to Charonis upon immigration to the United States) and is the brother of Mary Kolokithas, Konstantine Charoni (deceased) and Alexander Charoni (deceased). John was born in Chania, Greece (Crete) and raised during the time of WWII. Though he encountered difficult times, John always had a positive outlook on life. At the age of 8 years old he immigrated to the United States with his parents. At 20 years of age he joined the Marines and served his country for 4 years. In 1965 he married his beautiful wife Stella (Drogitis), whom he met through the Greek community, always knowing she was "the one". John was hard working, often taking on multiple jobs at once to build a beautiful secure life for his wife and 3 sons Steve, Greg and Angelo, raising their family in the same home in Belmont that he lived in for the remainder of his life. Though a hard worker, he always prioritized spending time with his wife and children including finding time to even coach his young sons in basketball and take the family on many adventures around the world including Greece and countless RV trips around the country. It was no surprise then that when John later had grandchildren he was an active part of their lives too and could often be found riding bikes, going on walks, and playing ball with them. When health limitations meant he couldn't play ball outside anymore he instead played family room balloon toss, when he couldn't pick them up, he offered countless lap cuddles, and when he couldn't attend events he enjoyed sneaking ice cream cones inside with them, chocolate and swiss almond were some of his favorites. John was not only a doting father and grandfather, but he was also a father-in-law that was well loved by his daughters-in-law. From the beginning he welcomed them to the family with open arms and until his last days held them close. He left them with many years of positive memories, his sage advice, and the comfort they had of always knowing he had their side if ever there was a debate. He always asked how he got so lucky to have such a great family, but his family always asked how they got so lucky to have him. John was also a dedicated member of the Greek Orthodox faith. Throughout his many years you could often find him at the church with his wife Stella at various Greek community events. When there was dancing, you'd often find them as one of the last couples on the dance floors, always smiling, always embracing. They were a true love story, with Stella doting and caring for him with all her heart until the very end. He was also known for his love for the outdoors, with many garden projects throughout the years, his love for America, the land that gave him so much opportunity and his birth country Greece, but perhaps most simply he was known for always being a kind, gentle, loving man. He will be forever missed, loved, but never ever forgotten. His family is grateful for his long fulfilled life and the imprint he will forever leave. May he be reunited with those lost in the sweet paradise of heaven, until we all meet again. Family & Friends are invited to John's service at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross, 900 Alameda de las Pulgas in Belmont. Trisagion Service Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church 900 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont CA Thursday, November 18, 2021 at 7:00 pm Funeral Service Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church Friday, November 19, 2021 at 11:00 am Followed by interment at Greek Orthodox Memorial Park cemetery Makaria Luncheon Following interment all are invited back to the church for the Makaria luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church. Thank you.