Obituary of John Arion Anezis

John Arion Anezis, 84, of Peabody, beloved husband of Helen (Karas) Anezis, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho, doing something he loved, skiing. John was born on April 10, 1932, son of Arion and Mary (Hatzigeorgiou) Anezis. Raised and educated in Peabody, he graduated from Peabody High School in 1949. In 1952, he served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant during the Korean War, was honorably discharged in 1954, and remained in the Army Reserve until November 30, 1960. John was self-employed as a Master Plumber, operating Anezis Plumbing & Heating with his brother Solon for 40 years as well as investing, managing and developing various real estate properties on the Northshore. John’s true passion in life was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. From early on, he shared his enthusiasm for boating and skiing with not only his family, but with his many relatives and friends. He was a lifetime member of the Jubilee Yacht Club in Beverly, where he kept the infamous “Krynos” moored for over 40 years. He enjoyed being the Captain of many voyages to Misery Island, Cape Ann, and Essex. John skied with his children, who he would pull out of school so they could ski during the week – John hated waiting in line. One of the skiing highlights for John was in 2013 when his five children joined him on a trip to Aspen. They all agreed it was a trip of a lifetime. On any given day, you could find John gathered with friends at Brothers in Danvers or at the Century House in Peabody. John also enjoyed golfing, gardening, putting around the basement, and smoking a good cigar. John’s commitment to the community was far-reaching. He was an active member of the Masons for many years. He had affiliations with the Jordan Lodge in Peabody/Salem, the Golden Fleece Lodge of Lynn, the Scottish & York Rite in Boston, the Aleppo Shriners of Wilmington where he was an officer in the Motor Patrol Unit, past President of the North Shore Shrine Club and a member of the ROJ. He was also a longtime member of the Peabody Lions Club, as well as a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. John was also a member of St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church and was active in the St. Val’s Men’s Club. He was a board member for Peabody’s Community Development and a Peabody Cemetery Commissioner. In addition to his cherished wife Helen, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Maria A. and Robert Gauvain, Vanessa E. Stolar and Kenneth Murray, Stephanie J. and Joseph Najjar, Steve K. and Jeanine Anezis, and Jennifer K. and Nathan Gravelle, his 14 cherished grandchildren, Nathaniel and Jeremy Gauvain, Rachel and Katherine Stolar, Alexandra, Andrew and John Najjar, Sophia, Connor and Lily Anezis, and Madeline, Audrey, Adam and Nathan Jr. Gravelle; many nieces, nephews and friends…and his pup Max. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brothers Charles “Kosta” Anezis, Solon Anezis, and son-in-law Edward Stolar. His family will receive family and friends on Friday, March 3rd, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at 82 Lynn St. Peabody. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, March 4th at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Aleppo Shriners Children’s Transportation Fund, www.alepposhriners.com , 90 Fordham Road, Wilmington, MA 01880-0578. The interment will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.