Gilford-----John "Yani" Kafanelis, age 45, of Gilford, NH, passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA while waiting for a transplant. He was born on February 27, 1970 in Manchester, the son of Bessie (Karageorge) Kafanelis and the late Dimitrios Kafanelis.
John was a resident of the Lakes Region for 30 years and owned his own restaurant. He was a communicant at Taxiarchai Greek Orthodox Church and a respected member of the local business community. John was a devoted father, brother, son and friend with a strong passion for life and people. He loved traveling with his children all over and especially to Greece where they enjoyed the ocean and exploring their heritage and culture. He was an avid fan of motorcycles and loved riding his Harley.
John was a kind hearted human being with a special gift of lifting spirits and bringing laughter into the world. He was an amazing, gentle, kind and caring man that touched so many lives. Heaven's gain is our loss, and we will miss him dearly.
John is survived by his mother Bessie Kafanelis, his three children Dimitrios, Despina and Stefanos Kafanelis, his sister Elena Kafanelis and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces.
John is predeceased by his beloved sister Debbie Kafanelis.
All are welcome to attend calling hours on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, using the carriage house entrance. The trisagion service will take place at 7:00 PM.
Church services and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in John's name to the New England Organ Bank's Public Education Fund, 60 First Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451, Attention to Laura Dempsey. This fund is dedicated to supporting activities and programs designed to raise awareness about donation and to urge individuals to register as organ and tissue donors on their driver’s license or through an online donor registry.