John Papadopoulos

John Papadopoulos

(1923-2026)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Papadopoulos on February 11, 2026, a couple months short of his 103rd birthday. John was born in 1923 to George and Irene Papadopoulos in Manhattan, New York and moved to Athens, Greece during his childhood. He attended Kypseli High School where he met his sweetheart, Stella, and graduated in 1941.

He lived through a difficult youth during the German occupation of Greece during World War II and later a civil war. Searching for a better future, John returned to Manhattan to join his brother George. John worked as a waiter at the Waldorf Astoria, which led to his lifelong career in the restaurant industry. Later, John enlisted in the army in 1949 and was stationed in El Paso, Texas.

John was reunited with his high school sweetheart (from Athens), Stella, in Reno in 1952 where they married. They were married for 63 years. They later moved to Marin County where they were involved, as founding members, in the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church. During this time, John was the maître d' at Ondine Restaurant in Sausalito.

John fell in love with the Napa Valley, which reminded him of his home in Greece. He and his family moved to St. Helena in 1972 where John opened The Abbey Restaurant. John and Stella were the owners for 20 years.

John was devoted to his faith and the Greek Orthodox Church. He enjoyed spending time in his garden, which he meticulously curated, and philosophizing with friends and family. John's smile and positive spirit made a tremendous impact on everyone who met him.

John was adored by his daughter, Georgia Papadopoulos Fradelizio (John Fradelizio), his granddaughter Alexandra Fradelizio, his sister-in-law Dina Magnisalis, and niece Kiki Magnisalis Taft (Bill Powers). He was predeceased by his wife Stella (2015).

The family wishes to thank his loving and devoted caregivers, especially Cynthia Vinco, Eric Espiritu, Doris Graf, and Maddie Agpalasin.

The funeral will preside at the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, Novato, CA at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, 1110 Highland Drive, Novato, CA 94949 or By the Bay Health (hospice care).