Obituary of John Kakis

John Kakis, a retired Greyhound bus driver, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday night, April 21, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 94 years old.

Born and raised in Watertown, John was one of four children of Greek immigrants Emmanuel and Catherine Kakis. He grew up in a home and community rich in Greek traditions and values, which remained an important part of his identity throughout his life. He graduated from Watertown High School and later enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Airman First Class. John served in the 103rd Infantry Division as part of the Aircraft Control and Warning Group. He was honorably discharged after two years of service and was awarded the Korean Service Medal.

John dedicated most of his professional life to driving for Greyhound Bus Lines. Toward the end of his career, he drove the Boston-to-New York route, which allowed him to return home each night to his beloved wife, Mary. He was fortunate to retire comfortably at the age of 55.

John met Mary later in life, and the two quickly formed a deep connection. After five years of dating, John proposed, and they were married just two weeks later. In the 1980s, they purchased a home in Falmouth on Cape Cod, located next to a golf course—though neither played golf. Instead, they found joy in walking along the beach and simply spending time together. They shared a love for travel, with their trip to Greece remaining one of their most cherished memories.

Though John and Mary were not blessed with children, they were devoted to their family. John lovingly supported and kept in touch his mother and Mary during their final years as well as his sister Marion after she became a widow.  He remained close with his brothers, engaging in lively conversations about everything from sports to world events and the stock market. He was also a generous uncle, celebrating holidays and family gatherings with his nieces and nephews, often hosting them at the Cape house.

John was a people person—someone who never met a stranger. Having been retired for nearly forty years, he lived life at a relaxed pace and developed daily routines that brought him joy. Local grocery store and restaurant employees knew him by name and always looked forward to his visits. Often when people stopped over for a visit you could find John laying on the couch listening to Greek or Irish music.  He found peace in tending to his large garden, where he spent countless hours and happily shared the harvest with friends, neighbors, and family.

Remarkably independent, John continued to drive until just a few weeks before his passing. In the end, he was at peace—having outlived his siblings and the love of his life, Mary. He looked forward to reuniting with them in heaven.

John was the beloved husband of Mary Theresa (Crowley) Kakis who passed in 2023.  He was the devoted son to the late Emmanuel and Catherine Kakis.  He was the loving brother-in-law of Diane Kakis, and was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses Nicholas Kakis & his wife Florence, Manny Kakis, Marion Kakis Young & John Young.  He was the brother-in-law of John and Justine Crowley of Wellesley, Rita and Donald Carney, the late James Crowley, Irene Crowley, and Theresa Peters.  John was a dear friend of Susan Parrot who was a caring and supportive neighbor. John was also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 54 S. Common Street, Lynn, www.stgeorgelynn.org, on Monday, April 28 from 11 a.m. to noon. A funeral service at the church will begin at noon.  Services will end with a burial at Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn.  Memorials in John’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org, 93 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 02481.