John C. “Yiannis” Glaros

Warren - John C. “Yiannis” Glaros, 88, entered eternal peace on July 12, 2024 at home with his family by his side.

 He was born on November 16, 1935 to Constantinos and Kyriaki (Kantounis) Glaros in Athens, Greece.  Raised on his beloved island home of Ikaria, he lost his father at an early age, and endured the horrors of Nazi occupation during World War II.  These early life tribulations shaped the kind-hearted, compassionate man he would become.  After completing high school with top honors, he served in the Royal Hellenic Navy which began his lifelong passion for the sea. As a ranking officer in the merchant marine, he traveled extensively around the globe,  learning the customs and unique ways of life from many cultures.  In the midst of his travels, he went off course and fell in love with a young lady named Athina.  Their courtship resulted in a marriage that lasted over 62 years, and were blessed with 3 beautiful children.  After several years, the young couple moved to the United States, settling in Warren, Ohio.  Continuing with his hard work ethic, he joined the newly built GM assembly plant in Lordstown, where he worked for nearly 40 years before retiring from the maintenance department.

His passions in life focused on the belief that one never stops learning, and his curiosity and attention to detail revolved around history, geography, philosophy, theology and mathematical discussions.  He absolutely enjoyed solving Sudoku puzzles, and telling stories of his travels and adventures around the globe whenever friends and family gathered.  Never boasting or gossiping, every discussion yielded new insights into events of the past, and his stories were beautifully furnished with details.  Traveling with his family back to his native island was the highlight of the summer months, reuniting with his extended family and friends. Gardening also brought him joy, as the hardships endured in his early life were eased as he tended to his landscape and garden for countless hours.  Teaching his children and grandchildren his native language was important, as well as the mundane things such as riding a bicycle, swimming or learning how to whistle.  His greatest joy was being a Pappou to his nine grandchildren. His eyes would light up as they would spend time together and make the best memories.

As a member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Warren, he enjoyed the social gatherings and events hosted by the Yasou Club.  Being proud of his heritage, he maintained membership in the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood, where great memories were made through the countless meetings, picnics, and national conventions.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Constantinos and Kyriaki, and stepfather Ioannis Psomas.  He is survived by his devoted wife, Athina, his children Constantinos J. (Anna) Glaros, Erini (Nikos) Glaros Kortoci, Kyriaki “Koula” (Tommy) Glaros-Ross, and his nine precious grandchildren.  He also leaves behind his older brother Elias Glaros, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Family and friends may pay their respects to John Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 10-11 am at St. Demetrious Greek Orthodox Church 429 High St. Warren, Ohio 44481. Followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. at the Church with Fr. Constantine Valantasis officiating.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the nurses, therapists, and staff of Patriot Health Care for their compassionate assistance.

In lieu of flowers, any material donations may be made in his memory to the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood Foundation, PO Box 79057, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 or Pan-Icarian.com.  Also, donations may be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 429 High St. N.E. Warren, OH 44481.

May his memory be eternal.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to the Glaros family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John C. “Yiannis” Glaros, please visit our floral store.