John G. Treantafelles, a son, a brother, an uncle, and a friend to many, was born in Achladokambos, Greece on July 27, 1950 and passed away March 15, 2023. He was the fifth of six children, and second son of his parents Konstantinos "Dino" and Zoi (Barkouzos) Treantafelles. He is survived by his loving siblings, four sisters, Helen "Lela" Bonorris, Matina Syrengelas, Joanne (John) Halias, Tina (Paul) Hiotis, and older brother Andreas (Georgia) Treantafelles, two brothers in law, one sister in law, 15 nieces and nephews, and 20 great nieces and nephews.

John immigrated to America at the young age of seven with one of his older sisters, Matina, on May 21, 1958. Due to the time change, they left their motherland Greece and arrived to their new homeland America on the feast day of Saints Constantine and Helen. They celebrated the same feast day (their father's name day) on their last day in Greece and also on their first day in America when they were reunited with their father. Unlike their predecessors who immigrated by boat, they traveled to America by airplane. Leaving Greece and his mother behind was difficult for seven year old John; he cried and did not want to be separated from his mother. Despite the heartache, John immigrated to San Gabriel, California in search of a better life.

On the way, the pilot gave uncle John the most special treatment! He gave him a tour of the cockpit and invited him to return as often as he liked for the duration of the flight from Athens, Greece to Los Angeles, California. John was very captivated and delighted!

The stewardesses also took excellent care of John and Matina, holding them by their hands, carrying their belongings and even taking them for their first escalator ride while on layover in New York City! While at the airport they were taken to a nice restaurant and offered hamburgers and french fries, but because this was unfamiliar food, they did not eat it. Something that John and Matina always remembered was the fact that the flight from Greece to America only had five passengers and a dog on board!

Upon arriving in California, John and Matina were received by their father, older brother Andreas, and relatives Theodora and Stavros Treantafelles and family, who had a welcoming feast and warm home waiting for them. John started school right away; he was a hardworking and good student. He made fast friends with everyone and was very well liked by his teachers. In no time John acquired his American nickname JT and was known by this in school and beyond. From a young boy John had an affinity for baseball. He was a standout pitcher and was even scouted by the Los Angeles Dodgers! An injury to his pitching arm ended his baseball dream, but it could not crush his love of baseball. John was an avid Dodger fan through and through.

Throughout high school John had many friends. John graduated from San Gabriel High School and worked in the family business with his father and brother. In his own kitchen he was known for the best fried chicken in town!

John was a kind, generous and happy man. He enjoyed being surrounded by his family and friends. But most of all, John had a deep love and respect for his family, especially his mother. John looked out for and took care of his mother for many years, always making sure she had everything she needed and then some. If ever he saw an opportunity to bring someone joy, he never passed it up. From ice cream extravaganzas at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor, pizza at Petrillo's, softball league with his nephews, coin filled tube socks for every niece and nephew, or just simple kindness to a stranger. He was caring and helpful to all he knew, and even to those he didn't know. John always paid if forward.

John enjoyed having family and friends in his home, especially after church on Sundays. He loved to grill, to tell a good joke, the companionship of his loyal dog Bear and horses. John encouraged and supported all his family, if you had a dream, you had a fan in Uncle John. He was present not only at his nieces and nephews milestones, but also at many of his great nieces and nephews birthday parties and performances. Growing up, the cousins enjoyed playing catch and sports with Theo John in his backyard. As the cousins became adults they began taking trips together with Theo John to Las Vegas, Laughlin and Palm Springs. He was the life of all the bachelor parties, and he never disappointed at the weddings! Nothing topped Theo John at our annual New Year's Parties. One year, the family bird won $140 playing poker! Theo was always the life of the party. He was a very active member of the family.

John will be remembered as a legend in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a man that was taken too soon. Rest easy John G. Treantafelles, son, brother, uncle, friend. You were one in a million and have left a trail of smiles in your wake. Send our love and hugs to your nephew Deno B when you meet up with him again.

Services for John G. Treantafelles will be at Saint John Greek Orthodox Church, 405 North Dale Street, Anaheim, CA 92801. Trisagion at 6pm on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Saint John Greek Orthodox Church. Funeral service at 10:30am on Friday March 31, 2023, also at Saint John Greek Orthodox Church. Makaria lunch immediately following service. Burial at Rose Hills Cemetery after the makaria lunch. Rose Hills Cemetery, 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint John Greek Orthodox Church in memory of John G. Treantafelles.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Mary Harmon, owner. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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