John Petropoulos

STURBRIDE-John Petropoulos passed away peacefully at home on December 2, 2024, after a period of declining health. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 56 years, Bessie (Milionis) Petropoulos. He also leaves his children, Connie Petropoulos of South Salem, New York, and Chris Petropoulos of Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts; two grandchildren, Zackary and Oliver Pezone, both of South Salem, New York; and two sisters, Connie Kotsopoulos of Shrewsbury and Georgia Thoutsis of Worcester. He was “Uncle Johnny” to many nieces and nephews.

John was born in New York City on February 8, 1938. He was the son of the late Chris and Hresula (Valentzas) Petropoulos. John grew up in Worcester and graduated from Commerce High School, where he was an avid basketball player on the school’s team. After high school, he studied at the Culinary Arts Institute in New Haven and served in the U.S. Army. With his uncle, Peter Valentzas, he co-owned Circe’s Restaurant in Worcester, a popular downtown lunch spot and music venue, where he was introduced to his future wife, Bessie Milionis. A spirited entrepreneur, he owned the Central Pub and Café in Gardner, Massachusetts and Jefferson Wine and Spirits in Holden.

In his retirement, he enjoyed his vegetable garden, long walks in the woods and, most of all, spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved traveling to Maine and Florida, where he escaped some harsh Massachusetts winters in Nokomis.

John will be remembered for his determination, his generous spirit and his wonderful sense of humor, all of which he maintained through the last months of his life. His family would like to thank the Visiting Angels of Southbridge and the Veterans Home Bound Program of Central Massachusetts for the excellent care he received over the past year.

A funeral service will be held at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM. A private burial will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Spyridon Cathedral or Veterans Inc. at 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.