John Plessas

John Peter Plessas Passed away quietly on Tuesday October 12, 2011, with his children Peter and Paula by his side. Affectionately called the "Mayor of Chestnut Street," John Plessas lived and worked in the Marina District for 85 years. John was born on June 13, 1926 as a first generation Greek-American. His parents, Toula and Panagiotis Plessas immigrated to San Francisco from Katsiboli, Greece at the turn of the century. After graduation from Samuel Gompers' Trade school John was drafted into the US Navy during World War II. Serving as a first class machinist on the Patrol Craft 810 USS Valentine he traveled throughout the South Pacific. Upon returning to San Francisco, John began his career in the grocery business, first at Marina Super, then Little Man market, and eventually opening up his own store on Fillmore and Eddy with his partner, Nick Colichidas. In the late sixties John bought Marina Super Market on Chestnut street, two blocks from his home. He worked as the owner of Marina Super for over 20 years and sold it to his employees. Marina Super continues to thrive as the "heart" of the Marina district. John enjoyed his retirement years spending time with his children, walking up and down Chestnut street and frequently occupied the bench at the Coffee Roastery. John loved children and would stop to give a "high-five" to all the children who crossed his path. John's motto was: "eat good, sleep good, and don't worry," and he lived out that motto to his final days. John P. Plessas is survived by his son Peter John Plessas, his daughter Paula Plessas-Hall, her husband, Bryan Hall, and his beloved granddaughters, Eavy and Demi Hall. John leaves behind his sister Christina Lamerdin, his brother Gus Plessas and wife Betty, and his brother James Plessas and wife Eleanore, and his many nieces and nephews. The Plessas family would like to especially thank Cheryl Van Hammersveld, his caregiver, Dr. Louise Walters of the VA, Al and Millie Lucchesi, his life-long neighbors, Rose and Tha San Thong of the Coffee Roastery, Dan and Carrie Manza, and Kenneth Puccinni of Marina Super and all of the community of Chestnut street who took the time to support and care for John. May His Memory Be Eternal. Trisagion Services will be held at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Avenue Daly City, CA 94010 on Monday October 17, 2011 at 7:00pm. Funeral Services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 999 Brotherhood Way, CA 94132 on Tuesday October 18, 2011 at 11:00am.. Donations can be made on behalf of John P. Plessas to either "Holy Trinity Dome Account", and sent to the address above; or to "Hospice By the Bay General Fund" at 1902 Van Ness Avenue 2nd Floor, San Francisco CA 94109.