John (Yianni) Stavropoulos was born September 13, 1929, in Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia, where his parents, Aristidis and Anastasia, had emigrated a year earlier. The oldest of four brothers, Yianni grew up in a bustling city and Greek community in Africa, running the family business (wine and spirits factory) in his 20’s. However, due to political unrest at the time, he departed in 1962 to join a brother in New York City and start a new life.
In 1967, Yianni had met and married a Philadelphia girl, Xanthy (Stathis) Stathacopoulos, and add two children, Anastasia and Aristide. The family then moved to London, England, in the early 70’s joining Yianni’s other brothers there.
Having spent almost 30 years in the travel business in London, Yianni and Xanthy returned to the USA upon retirement, first to Mobile, Alabama, for 15 years, and finally to Wilmington, Delaware, since 2014.
Yianni passed peacefully in his sleep on 30 May with Xanthy, his beloved wife of 53 years at his side. He is also survived by his daughter Anastasia (James), son Aristide (Raquel), grandchildren Jessica, Adriana, Johnny and Dimitri and his three brothers. He was much loved by all his family and will be greatly missed.
Any offering of donation please make to Holy Trinity Capital Building Fund, 808 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE, 19806.
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