Obituary of Ioannis T Protopsaltis

Ioannis “John” Protopsaltis fell asleep in the embrace of the Lord on Monday, April 11, 2022.

He was the only son of Evangelia Stefanis and Themistocles Ioannis Protopsaltis, a proud land owner and leading figure of the island of Karpathos. Raised amongst 8 sisters, he excelled in his studies despite the challenges of a childhood overshadowed by the strangulation of WW II and the subsequent Italian occupation of the Greek Islands. He earned a degree in economics from the prestigious Athens University of Economics and Business.

However, he made the bold decision to leave his home and seek a better life for himself and his family by traveling to Rhodesia in Africa where he chose entrepreneurial success over dental school. His adventurous spirit took him on many a fishing and hunting trip in the vast African outback. It is here that he met and wed the love of his life, Kalli Pelidis, a marriage that would last more than half a century.

His life was cut short by the cruelty of this pandemic but he left this earth, as a man of great wealth and satisfaction because he was blessed with the riches of a loving family. He cherished and reveled in the pride and success of his children and grandchildren who will continue to honor his name in their accomplishments and good deeds.

He is survived by his beloved wife Kalli, his loving children, Dr. Zaharoula Maris & her husband, Mr. Yianni Maris, and Dr. Themistocles S. Protopsaltis &  his wife Dr. Athena Lolis, his adoring grandchildren Michael Olympus and Yianni Themistocles Byron Maris, and Ioanna Maria and John George Protopsaltis, his sister Georgia Mantinaos, and sisters-in-law, Anna and Mary Pelidis.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: NYU Langone Department Orthopedic Surgery Spinal Research, 301 East 17th Street  New York, NY 10003 or Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 818 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ 07013.

Visitation will be held at Volk Leber Funeral Home, 789 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666 on Thursday, April 14, 2022 from 4pm to 8pm.

Funeral Service to be held at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 818 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ 07013 on Friday, April 15,2022 at 10:00 am. 

Interment to follow at Wyckoff  Reformed Church Cemetery, 580 Wyckoff Ave, Wyckoff, NJ 07481.