Obituary of John Panas

John Panas, a longtime resident of Harrison, passed away on Wednesday morning, November 20th, 2013. He was 95 years old. John was born in New York City on October 5, 1918 to Nicholas Panagiotopoulos and Sofia Karagias. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 39 years, Georgianna Tsalos, his brother Constantine Panas, his sister Mary Pani, brother-in-law Harry Pani and sister-in-law Hope Panas. John is survived by his brother George Panas, sister-in-law Constantina Panas, son Nicholas Panas, daughter Joanne Panas Lehmkuhl, son-in-law Thomas Lehmkuhl, granddaughters Kelly and Gina Lehmkuhl, niece Pennee Tsoukas and her husband Elias Tsoukas and nephew Nicholas Pani. After graduating from Asbury Park High School in NJ, John studied accounting at Syracuse and Columbia Universities. He also attended The University of Athens until his studies were interrupted by World War II. Upon returning home from Greece, John enlisted in the Army Air Corp. He served as a Radar Navigator Bombardier, flying 34 missions in the Mediterranean Theater. John was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Presidential Unit Citation, The Air Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters and The Theater Ribbon with Eight Battle Stars. John married Georgiana Tsalos of New York City, upon returning home from the war, in 1946. John was a lifelong member of The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle, NY. His many services to the church include 50 year member of The Order of Ahepa; Treasurer, Vice President and President of the Parish Council and Committee Chariman of numerous events. John was the recipient of the Archdiocese Medal of St. Paul, conferred the title of Archon Deputatos, a District Governor for The Sons of Pericles, and a member of the National Council of The Order of St. Andrew. John was also a member of the Lions Club and the Masonic Organization. John’s achievements in the business community were numerous. He started in the finance department for his father-in-law at Mother’s Pie Company in the Bronx. From there, he went on to finance and operate the following businesses: Playland Sweet Shop in Playland Amusement Park (over 46 years); Milk Maid Ice Cream and Hamburgers in White Plains, NY and Queens, NY; Pier Six Restaurant in Elmsford, NY; Uncle John’s Restaurant in Harrison, NY; two Burger Chef Hamburger Stores in New York and New Jersey and Oscar’s Salt of the Sea Restaurant on 67th Street in New York City. A wake will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 10 Mill Road, New Rochelle, NY on Friday, November 22nd, from 4:00- 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 23rd, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The John and Georgiana Panas Scholarship Fund at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 10 Mill Road, New Rochelle, NY.