John Theodore Parkos

John Theodore Parkos, 85, of Newport and Tarpon Springs, FL, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2017, at the Grand Islander Health Care Center, Middletown.Born on October 5, 1931 in Somerville, MA, he was the son of the late Theodore and Mary (Diomandes) Parkos. John attended Rogers High School then entered the US Air Force at the age of 17 and was a decorated veteran of the Korean War. Upon his return, he joined his father in operating the Stardust Restaurant in Newport. He began attending classes at Bryant College, but upon his father's unexpected death, John took on the responsibility to run the family business at the age of 24. His entrepreneurial spirit continued when he opened several restaurants in the area including JPs, Pit'n'Patio, but was best known for the Caf 200 on Broadway, with Giovanni's Restaurant next door. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Spyridon's Church. John was always a kind and generous man, ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was a friend to everyone with never a harsh word to say. John's smile would light up a room and his charm was unsurpassed.He is survived by his children, Theodore 'Kerry' Parkos of Fall River, MA, Deborah P. Flaherty of North Kingstown, RI, John T. Parkos Jr and his fiance Nancy Curr of North Haven, CT, and Dana Pimental and her husband Michael of Jacksonville, FL; his sisters Barbara Parkos and Elaine P. Holder and her husband Charles, of Newport, his grandchildren, Adam Pimental and his wife Haley, John T. Parkos III, Gregory Parkos and his wife Marlen, Michael Pimental and his wife Carla, Anna Sophia Flaherty, Alexander Parkos and Biagio Parkos, Kassidy, MacKenzie and Delaney Curr; and his great grandchildren, Nevaeh, Noah, and Brady Pimental.He was the brother of the late Gregory Theodore Parkos and Estelle Parkos Antonio.Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 9, 2017 from 4:00-7:00pm, in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.His funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 11:00am, in St. Spyridon's Church, Thames Street, Newport. Burial will follow in Island Cemetery, Warner Street, Newport.Donations in his memory may be made to Horizons, PO Box 323, South Windham, CT 06266, a special needs camp and organization; or to St. Spyridon's Church, PO Box 427, Newport, RI 02840. Cemetery Details Island Cemetery 30 Warner Street Newport, RI, Visitation JAN 9. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service JAN 10. 11:00 AM St. Spyridons Greek Orthodox Church 390 Thames Street Newport, RI, US