John K. Liapes

MANSFIELD

John K. Liapes of Mansfield passed away peacefully at home in his native Greece on August 23, 2025. John was born on September 7, 1931, to the late Konstantinos and Maria (Skropolithas) Liapes in Nestani, a small village in Greece's Peloponnesian region.

John's youth in Greece was characterized by working odd jobs to support his family after the passing of his father. He spent several years working at a bakery in the neighboring city of Tripoli, before enlisting in the Greek army at 20 years old.

In 1955, he married the love of his life, Maria (Moustakopoulos) Liapes, also a native of Nestani.

They welcomed four children between 1957 and 1968.

In pursuit of a stable future for his young family, John moved to the United States in the early 1960's. After spending several years living and working at restaurants in Hartford, he purchased Papas Pizza and Roast Beef in Willimantic in 1968. For over 50 years, he and Maria joyfully served the Willimantic community. John loved interacting with customers and, with his witty sense of humor and generous spirit, quickly made many friends in town.

After living in Willimantic for over 10 years, John and his family relocated to Mansfield in 1981.

Blessed with a green thumb, John dedicated many hours to perfecting the landscaping of his homes in both Mansfield and in Greece.

John was devoted to maintaining ties to his home country. He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Hartford for over 30 years and later Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Chapel in Storrs. He was also a proud member of the fraternity AHEPA, served two terms as president of the Arcardian Club Tripolitsa, and spent many summers returning to Nestani.

John was known for his lively spirit, and had many friends both in the US and in Greece. He was skilled at traditional Greek dance, and never missed an opportunity to share a dance with his loved ones, especially with his grandchildren.

In 2020, John sold Papa's and the following year, he and Maria retired to Nestani. He spent the last four years of his life in his home village, cared for by his son and visited by his children, grandchildren, and friends from all over the world.

He is survived by his children, Konstantina (Dina) Giannakopoulos (and husband, Prokopios), Panagiota (Pam) Liapes, Konstantinos (Gus) Liapes (and wife, Maria), and Theodosia (Soula) Mantas (and husband, Ioannis), seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, all of whom loved him deeply. He was predeceased by his wife, and his brother, Nick Liapes.

In accordance with his wishes, John's funeral was held in Nestani, where he was laid to rest alongside his beloved wife. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

John K. Liapes