John J. Spiridis

John Spiridis (1936-2025) A Life of Adventure, Entrepreneurship, and Enduring Love John Spiridis was born in Paralia Platanou, Krathidos-Aigaileias, Greece, on September 16, 1936. His formative years were scarred by the adversities of the German occupation during the Second World War. He graduated from the Gymnasium of Akrata, a beneficiary of a well-rounded education that served him well all his life. In the Greek Army, he was promoted to sergeant, training many recruits in artillery guns. He joined the Greek merchant marine as a cook, sailed on many ocean liners, and finished The Culinary School in Athens. He rose up to be head chef for many years. He travelled far and wide: the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, Australia, etc. John retired from the merchant marine to follow his passion as an entrepreneur. His first store was a nightclub at the port of Piraeus in Athens. At that time, however, the political situation in Greece was not good for business. John immigrated to the United States in October 1969. His hands were golden and his work ethos unbounded. He bought and sold many restaurants but the last one he operated for twenty-seven years. He made Bolton Pizza to be the focal point of the small town of Bolton in rural Connecticut. John was gifted with a musical ear and loved music. His favorite kind, of course, was Greek laika songs. He could sing hundreds of songs from memory and not miss a beat. Like any good sailor, John was also undefeated in backgammon. He knew uncountable Greek proverbs and delivered them with his dry-wit humor. John had the charisma of an extemporaneous speaker. He could deliver a speech flawlessly with ease and grace. John had a unique personality whereas anyone who met him could not help loving him. John was married to his beloved wife, Rita for 52 years. Their love and respect for each other was unmatched. They were both born and raised in the same hometown in Greece. John and his wife retired to Millersville, Maryland to be near their only daughter, Kelly and son-in-law, Kiriakos. He especially enjoyed spending quality "rubby" time with the family bichon, Zephy, which he lovingly called Zephako. He suffered from a brain aneurysm in September 2018. John recovered remarkably and in 2021 travelled to his ancestral home one last time. In 2025, however, his health declined rapidly. John is survived by his wife, Rita; their daughter, Kelly; his son, Jordan and his two granddaughters who reside in Greece and his two sisters, Maria and Sophia. He was predeceased by his other two sisters, Vasiliki and Eleni. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am on Thursday, August 21 followed by his funeral service at 11 am at Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401. Interment will follow at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cemetery in Annapolis, MD. In memory of John, donations may be made to Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.