John Dalis

John Dalis was born in Los Angeles to parents Gust and Fotoula Dalis, who were immigrants from Karia (Arkadia) and Argos. Raised in a loving home on 59th Street in Los Angeles, John was extremely proud of his Greek heritage and his family's rise from humble beginnings.
Starting at age 11, John worked various jobs to help his family survive the Great Depression. He graduated from Manual Arts High School and was drafted into the U.S. Army 29th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion during the Korean War. He used the G.I. Bill to attend Los Angeles City College, then California State University Los Angeles, from which he graduated with a BA in Business Administration. John proudly spent 37 years working at the State Department of Highways/CALTRANS in Los Angeles, primarily as a Senior Right of Way Agent. He was honored to serve as International Right of Way Association President in 1981 and also participated as a leader in many professional organizations throughout his career.
Throughout his life, John demonstrated his deep devotion to his church and community by continuously donating his time as a leader and volunteer. He took on numerous roles for Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, including serving on its board as Secretary and Vice President. He was involved in the campaign to establish the Saint Sophia Camp, which he continued to support after its establishment. In 2017, he was honored for his contributions to establishing this important summer camp for children, which still thrives today.
He was the Chairman of the Personnel Board and Library Commission for the City of Whittier and a president of its University and Executive Clubs. He was active with the American Legion and its California "Boys State" program for 67 years and was appointed to the American Legion Boys State Commission in 1989. He served as Commander of the Leonidas Post 285. He was involved with the Kiwanis Saddleback Club, for which he served as President in 2006 and from which he received an award in 2008. In his later years, he committed countless hours serving and leading multiple committees and Boards of Directors dedicated to improving the quality of residential life in the community of Leisure World/Laguna Woods.
After 34 years of marriage, John lost his beloved wife Anne Antonia Kaouris to cancer. The couple had two children, Don and Jeanine, who were the center of their lives. After the death of his wife, he would go on to have wonderful, long-term relationships with Martha Gardikas, Juanita Elefther and finally Joan Brenner, who, as a loving partner, sustained him through his final years. John was proud of his children and grandchildren, Aristotle and Antonia, to whom he passed on his belief in the importance of service and in giving back to the community.
John is survived by his two children, Don (Joanne) and Jeanine (Laszlo), his two grandchildren Aristotle and Antonia Klima, and his loving partner, Joan Brenner. The family expresses its deepest gratitude to his caregivers, Rose Camia and Josie Hughes. John will be remembered by all who knew him for his positive view of life, his gratitude for the gifts given to him, his love of family, and his deep faith.
A funeral service will be held at Saint Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles, California on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 10:30am followed by a Makaria Luncheon in the Huffington Center. Interment to follow at Rose Hills, Whittier, California. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to Saint Sophia Foundation and Saint Sophia Camp.
Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.
______________________________
Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com.AmericanObituary.com is a Baywalk Marketing service.facebook.com/AmericanObituary - twitter.com/AmericaObituary