Shrewsbury – John P. Kouvaros, 80, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at the Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center. His wife of 43 years, Sally (Patronas) Kouvaros, passed away in 2010.
He is survived by a daughter, Lisa M. Sanderson, her husband Steven Sanderson, and their children Nicole A. and Lindsey E. Sanderson of Whitinsville; a daughter, Tina M. Moran, her husband Jamie Moran, and their children Kaiden D. and Caleb F. of Cumberland, R.I.; two sisters, Bertha Salem of Margate, Fla. and Mary Kopsiaftis of Waltham; many nieces and nephews; and Molly, his sheltie and faithful companion.
John was born in Worcester, the son of the late Greek immigrants Procopios “Peter” J. and Mercine “Mary” (Stangirelis) Kouvaros. He graduated from Commerce High School, and later pursued a career in the culinary industry by attending the Culinary Institute of America and eventually graduating with an associate degree.
John was the owner of Ideal Pizza in Blackstone for 29 years. He also worked as a chef for various restaurants in the Massachusetts area, including the Kernwood Country Club in Salem and New Ocean House in Swampscott for many years. He had a passion for cooking and an eye for extraordinary foods. He loved to have family and friends over where they could enjoy each other’s company and his cooking.
John was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church. He was an avid fisherman who especially enjoyed fly fishing as well as making his own fly ties. He was an active member at the Auburn Sportsman Club, Uxbridge Rod & Gun Club, New England Fly Tiers Club, and the Addieville East Farm.
A period of calling hours will be held Sunday, June 4, from 3-6 p.m., with his funeral service to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Burial rites will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of John can be made to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 102 Russell St., Worcester, MA 01609.
To share your thoughts and memories of John with his family, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
