Obituary of John P. Franggos

John P. Franggos, 77 years, husband of Mary (Maihos) Franggos of Peabody died unexpectedly Saturday at the Salem Hospital after being stricken while shopping with his wife. Mr. Franggos was born April 25, 1924 in Peabody son of the late Pantelis and Mary (Kalliavas) Franggos and stepson of the late Mary (Laberis) Franggos and was a lifelong resident. He graduated from Peabody High School class of 1941. During WWII, he served in the U. S. Army as a Tech 5th Grade with the 283rd Port Company. During his tour of duty he saw battle in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and the Ardennes and was awarded the Croix de Guerre. Following WWII he attended law school. Mr. Franggos was the proprietor of the Main Street Package Store in Peabody for 35 years until his retirement in 1996. He was a 50 years member of the Hesperia Lodge AF & AM of Boston. He was also a member St. Vasilios Church Council and Men’ s Club, also Past President of both St. Vasilios Church and the Ahepa of Peabody. His life was dedicated to his family and his church where he volunteered his time and served as a sexton. John and Mary Franggos both appeared in the PBS documentary Growing Old in the New Age produced by the University of Hawaii in association with the Gerontology program at North Shore Community College. In addition to his wife of 50 years he is survived by a daughter and her husband Mariann (Franggos) and George Illingworth of Peabody; a son and his wife, Peter J. and Tracey Franggos of Byfield; a brother, Charles Franggos of Peabody; four grandchildren, Neia and Theodora Teddi Illingworth both of Peabody and Alexis and John Franggos both of Byfield and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late George Franggos. His funeral will be held Wednesday at 9 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 12 Chestnut St. Peabody facility (978.531.0398) followed by his funeral service at 10 a.m. in St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Tuesday 4 - 8 p.m. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made to the John P. Franggos Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Paleologos St., Peabody, MA 01960. For directions and info please visit www.ccbfuneral.com