John A. Tanionos, 68, of East Sandwich, MA formerly of Worcester, died Sunday, August 8th with his family by his side. John is survived by his son, Michael Tanionos and his wife, Melanie and their two daughters, Nicole and Olivia and his daughter, Christina Panagou and her sons, Jonathan and Benjamin. He also is survived by his brother, Nicholas Tanionos of North Kingstown, RI and his sister, Penelope McGarry of Andover.
He was born in Southbridge, the son of Charles and Helen (Woulas) Tanionos and had resided in East Sandwich for the past 38 years. In high school John excelled in football and had played in many basketball tournaments for the Sons of Pericles and the Junior Order of AHEPA. John worked part-time for the Eastern College Athletic Conference and retired from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. He had served as President and Supreme Governor of the Cape Cod AHEPA chapter; his accomplishments included increasing membership, raising scholarship and charity funds. His most notable campaign was his leadership in creating Cobb Astro Park in Barnstable in 2014. He was also involved with the Hellenic Congressional Caucus championing the improvement of relations between the United States, Greece and Cyprus. In 2021, John was awarded the Charles Demakis Heritage Award.
John enjoyed travel, especially trips to New York, Greece and its islands; his most memorable trip was to the Olympic Games in 2004. He felt he was "a forever fortunate person, doing the things I love to to!"
Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 12th from 10:00 until 11:30 am at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, followed by his funeral service. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Southbridge. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to, The Agganis Foundation, c/o Jeremy Hmura, 37 Waterhill Street, Lynn, MA 01905. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family with arrangements.