Kyriakos John Copanos, 86

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FRAMINGHAM – Kyriakos John Copanos, a longtime resident of Framingham, passed away on Sunday, April 25, 2021, after a brief illness.

K. John was born on September 19, 1934 in Athens, Greece. At the age of 16, he immigrated to the United States to live with his uncle. One of the things that stood out to him during the drive from Ellis Island to his new home in Framingham, was the beautiful fall foliage that welcomed him every step of the way. It fueled him with excitement and hope of a prosperous future.

He attended Wentworth Institute in Boston where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering. He went on to work for Northeastern Construction Co. and quickly won the affection of his boss, who recognized his intelligence, work ethic and leadership, and promoted him as a foreman.

In the meantime, as if a 6 day work week was not enough, K. John forged ahead on his own and invested in real estate, owning many properties along the way. He would spend his day off each week tending to these properties and fixing anything that could possibly break. That ability made him a “go to” guy when anyone needed a hand, which he offered selflessly. He always thought of others before himself.

Remarkably, despite his relentless work schedule, he somehow found time to be an amazing husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed watching us grow up and seemingly captured every moment with his video cam, one of his favorite hobbies. He was always there for us when we needed him most, guiding us through our toughest moments with his limitless love and wisdom.

His grandchildren adored him for his devotion to their lives. He was their number one fan, never missed a sporting event. Papou was always in the stands and on the field. He also touched the lives of many others with his kind and gentle ways. He will be remembered by all who knew him, driving his pickup truck throughout the town of Framingham, making stops along the way to bring smiles to his many friends. He will be sorely missed.

He was the son of the late Ioannis & Christina (Kyriakopoulou) Dimitriou. He leaves behind his loving wife, Constantina, his children, Christina Ciccone & her husband Teriggi J. of Southborough, and his son John E. Copanos & his wife Susan M. of Natick, his grandchildren, Terigi M., Kyriakos J., and Amelia J Ciccone, and John K.R. and Michael E. Copanos, his siblings, Georgia Markensidis and Jimmy Dimitriou, and several nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his brother in law, Nicholas Markensidis, and sister in law, Aparecida Dimitriou.

Family and friends will honor and remember John’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln Street. Framingham on Monday, May 3 from 4 to 8 p.m.

His funeral services will be celebrated on Tuesday morning in St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 57 Brown St. Weston at 10 o’clock.

Interment will follow at Edgell Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in John’s name to: The Alzheimer’s Assoc., 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452, www.alz.org.

For online tributes, or to share a memory with the Copanos family, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com