John George Karanikas

Mr. John George Karanikas, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 3, 2020. He was born in on Ahoskie, North Carolina on February 24, 1930. He was the last of three children born to the late George and Mary Karanikas.

In John’s early days, he was in the USCG and served on the USS Chincoteague. Later in his life he pursued a career in the restaurant business as a bartender for James III Restaurant, Congressional CC, and Holly Hills CC.  He was an extremely outgoing person who really loved to talk to anyone and everyone. He would share his stories of growing up in the small town of Ahoskie, NC, being in the Coast Guard, and all the celebrities he would meet through his career as a “mixologist.” He especially liked to share recipes of his favorite Greek dishes. He was a great father and role model despite losing his own father at the age of four years old. He shared his life mottos such as, “all you need is Desire and Determination” and “take one day at a time.” He loved his bride of 59 years and has now joined her in heaven for eternity.

Surviving are his three children; Jim Karanikas and wife Kathleen, of Brookeville, George Karanikas and wife Denise, of Jefferson and Mary Ivins and husband John, of Litha, FL, 10 grandchildren Kevin and wife Catilin, Brian, Nick, Sophia, Allie, Jessica, Katherine, John Robert, Katie and Beth, and several nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at a later date; please email Jim at [email protected] for updates.