John N. Fafalios

I, Nick Fafalios write this in loving memory of my Father, John N. Fafalios born in 1931, who passed away at age 89 on April 15th, 2020.

My father, the Son of Nick and Athina Fafalios, was born in a small village on the island Xios, Greece. He lived with his Mother and younger Brother Jim and they endured the grim times and suffered many sacrifices during the 2nd World War. Due to the grueling conditions imposed by the war, my father was brought to Philadelphia, PA by his Grandfather, “Big” Nick Costalas, circa 1945.

He worked alongside family members in the family luncheonette. He then continued to work in and grow the family business into some seven various locations in the North Philly area, where he would manage the daily operations.

In 1952, he enlisted in the United States Army. While stationed in Baumholder, Germany he continued to pursue his interest and enrich his cooking skills. While serving, he was in the 2nd Armor Division, dubbed as “Hell on Wheels”. Later during his service, he became a General’s Aid. During this time, he also assembled the “Runner Up” Division Champs of the US Army Soccer Team. He proudly wore the number 31 on his jersey.

Upon his discharge in 1954, he returned to Philadelphia, PA. He returned to work with his Grandfather, Uncle Sam and other family members. He continued to utilize the cooking skills he acquired in Germany and became the head cook and general manager of the family establishments.

Around the year 1960, while broadening his horizons he successfully became the first Greek American to establish an electrical motor and rebuilding business. The business thrived and expanded for the next 40 years and became the busiest “little” motor shop in the Philly area.

Whilst operating the motor business, he also had the foresight to invest in real estate, procuring approximately 30 rental properties in the Temple University Hospital neighborhood. Many of Temple’s students who later became many of today’s professionals, came to know their landlord (John) as “Pop”. To his last day, Pop continued to rent his properties and was the friendly face recognized by all in his community. 

Like any Father and Son relationships, there were disagreements over the years, but the legacy and memories he leaves behind certainly surpass those moments. I have been and will always be proud to call him my “Patera”, Father and Friend.

He was a Son, Patera, Papou, Brother, Uncle and Friend and is sure to be missed by all.

He was the loving and devoted Father of “Johnny” (Nick) and Mark Fafalios.

Papou loved his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Nick’s children:  Yianni, Yiasemi, Aristeides, Demetrios and Michael (Mother, Dora) and Nicolette (Mother, Ava).

Mark and his wife Peggy’s children: Mark Jr. and his wife Kristen, Nicholas and John.

He was also blessed with Great Grandchildren: Athena, Antonio, Julianna, Niko, Alexandria, Hope, Maximus, Ethan and Lucas.

We Love You and will Miss You very much Pop!

Graveside services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory can be made to: Saint Basil Academy the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese home for children in need. Garrison, New York. http://www.stbasil.goarch.org/


John F. Fluehr & Sons, Inc.

Funeral Home Serving Families Since 1898

3301 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia PA 19149

215-624-5150
215-624-3302

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