John Basil Vlahos
August 25, 1935 – October 29, 2017
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announces with sadness the passing of Mr. John Basil Vlahos, Archon Nomophylax, who fell asleep in the Lord on October 29, 2017.
“John was a faithful man with a kind and giving heart. He was eager and willing to serve the Church, and his sound judgement always reflected his personal commitment and high moral standards,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “His devotion to the Greek Orthodox Church was evident in the many ways he gave of his time and talents and he did this with abounding love in his heart.”
John was born on August 25, 1935 to his parents Vasilios and Maria. He was raised in San Francisco and was very involved in church activities. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and his Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco. His distinguished career in law earned him great respect from his colleagues and he was widely known as a man of impeccable character. John also served as a Sergeant in the United States Army, demonstrating his love of this country and all of the opportunities that it brought for him and his family.
When Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center was first acquired by the (then) Diocese of San Francisco, John was instrumental in developing the governance infrastructure through the drafting of the initial Ranch Bylaws and served as a member of the Ranch Board for several years. John also served as Legal Counsel to the Diocese and Metropolis of San Francisco, and never hesitated to offer his support or professional services when it came to the Church. In recognition of his exemplary commitment, John was honored to become an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle.
At the parish level, John was a devoted steward and Past President of the Annunciation Cathedral in San Francisco. He was also a dedicated choir member at the Annunciation Cathedral and Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose, CA for many years. John was also an avid historian, and it brought him great joy to research his family roots in Messinia, Greece, as well as delve into history through the writings of the ancient Greek philosophers.
John is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia. He was also a cherished father to Teitsa (Allen) Mann, Basil (Rose), Nicholas, Cassandra and Michael, and an adoring grandfather to Andrew and Phillip Eisner. His brothers George and Eugene (Susan), and his sister Tasia (Nick) Misthos also survive him, along with many extended family members and godchildren.
Services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 999 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco, CA with the Trisagion scheduled for Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be prayed on Thursday, November 2 at 11:00 a.m. with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Annunciation Cathedral Building Fund, 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.
May his memory be eternal!