John Varoudakis

John Varoudakis, 81, of Danvers, entered eternal rest on February 1. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose warmth and generosity touched everyone he met. Born in Chania, Crete, he was the son of the late Michael and Despina (Mazanakis) Varoudakis and the devoted husband of Cornelia (Mollet) Varoudakis.

John proudly served in the Greek National Air Force, and after completing his service, he came to the United States in search of greater opportunity. He arrived from Greece in 1968 and began working as a cook at Williams Bakery in Ipswich, where he met his future wife, Connie, who was working as a server while attending UMass Boston. They were married in June of 1970 and settled in Danvers, where they welcomed three children and built a life rooted in love, hard work, faith, and family. Later in his career, John partnered with his brother at New England Commissary in Everett, where he worked until his retirement.

After retiring, John and Connie continued to enjoy traveling together. They visited many countries throughout Europe, traveled to Alaska, took cross-country RV trips, and loved escaping the Boston winters to spend time in Arizona and Florida with family. One of John's most meaningful journeys was a visit to Mount Athos, Greece, which proved to be a deeply moving, spiritual experience for him. No matter where he traveled, John's greatest joy came from being surrounded by loved ones. He was adored by all who knew him, and it was impossible to visit his home without being welcomed with food and hospitality. John had a remarkable way of making people feel comfortable and loved, so much so that he was affectionately known as "Uncle John" by many who were not related by blood. This was a true reflection of the kind of man he was, as he had a gift for making everyone feel like family.

A deeply religious man, John cherished Greek Easter as one of his favorite holidays. For him, it was a meaningful celebration that brought together both of his worlds, honoring his Greek heritage while embracing his American life. Greek Easter was a time of faith and family, where traditions were shared, and generations gathered together. His devotion was reflected in his lifelong service to St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, where he was known for generously donating food and volunteering his time cooking for the church's annual Christmas breakfast for over 20 years.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Connie Varoudakis of Danvers; his children, Michael Varoudakis and his wife, Maria, of Crete, Greece, Lia Koulalis and her husband, Stanley, of Danvers, and Krisoula Varoudakis of Topsfield; his sister, Antonia Pariotakis of Crete, Greece; and his five cherished grandchildren, Jonathan "JJ" Koulalis, Cornelia Varoudakis, Samantha Koulalis, Konstantino Varoudakis Cooke, and John "Johnny" Varoudakis.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brother, George Varoudakis, and his sister, Maria Lerakis.

Visiting hours will be held at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Monday, February 9, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 5 Paleologos Street, Peabody, on Tuesday, February 10, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Beverly Farms Cemetery, 100 Haskell Street, Beverly. Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend.

Information, directions, and condolences may be found at www.campbellfuneral.com