Ioannis “John” Kourafas, beloved husband of Panagiota “Penny”; dear father of Ted (Andrea), Sophie (Pete) Tjortjis and Jim; grandfather of Kosta and Gianoula; brother of Jim “Thio-Mitso” (Tasia) and the late George (Voula). Born in Dyraxion, Arkadias, Greece, married to Penny in 1965, immigrated to the U.S. in 1974. John was a self-made man who came to the U.S. with nothing but his family, and through his lifetime owned and operated several businesses. Next to his family his greatest enjoyment was playing the clarinet with his band, the Pan Olympia Orchestra. John had a profound effect on everybody that he met and will be greatly missed by all. Evening service Wednesday at 7 p.m. Funeral service Thursday at 10:15 a.m. from Lack & Sons Funeral Home, 9236 S. Roberts Rd. (8000W), Hickory Hills to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 7650 S. Archer for 11 a.m. service. Interment Bethania Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, 2 to 9 p.m. 708-430-5700.
