"The great soccer player who was able to avoid all tackles on the field, unfortunately was unable to escape the last tackle."
–Written by his brother-in-law, Father George Sellis.

John Nikolaos Davilas, affectionately known as "O Yannakis" and "Tiger", was born on October 14, 1948 in Ahladokambos, Greece. John passed away peacefully at the age of 65 on February 4, 2014 with his loving family by his bedside after a battle of cancer for the last few months.

A former professional soccer player in Greece, John loved the sport. His passion and drive trickled down to his son, Niko and they both loved and adored the Greek soccer team, Olympiakos. In California, John was in the food service industry for over 30 years. John's wife, Christina, and children, Georgia and Niko, want to express how loved John was. He was always the calming factor in the family. He always made his family smile when feeling down and created a happy and loving home. That's what the family will remember and cherish. His sweet demeanor will forever be remembered. John had a huge heart and didn't have a mean bone in his body.

Above all, he cherished his family. A loving husband to Christina Davilas, father of two to Niko Davilas age 35, Georgia Garefis age 38, and grandfather of two, Sofia Garefis age 3 and a half, and Paris Garefis, age 1 and a half. He always said of his grandchildren, "These kids give me life", that is how much he adored them.

The Trisagion memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 7:00pm at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 10830 Downey Avenue, Downey, CA 90241. Funeral service at the same location will be on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 11:00am.