Yianni (John) Ellenikiotis

Apr. 28, 1931 - Sep. 19, 2016

Yianni Ellenikiotis, a proud husband, father, grandfather (Papou), and great grandfather, passed away Monday, September 19, 2016 at 85 years of age. He leaves his daughter, Pauline Alevizos, his son-in-law Tim Alevizos, his two sons Anthony Ellenikiotis and Jim Ellenikiotis, his seven grandchildren, Kate AlevizosRamacciotti, Eleni Alevizos, Eleni Ellenikiotis, Soula Ellenikiotis, Yianni Ellenikiotis, George Ellenikiotis, and great-grandaughter, Athena Ramacciotti. Yianni adored the mother of his four grandchildren Georgia Ellenikiotis, cherished Jim’s significant other, Bridget Peterson, and his granddaughter’s husbands, John Ramacciotti, Scott Robson, and David SoleimaniMeigooni.

Yianni was born and raised in the Greek village of Monokaria by his mother Polixeni, who he loved and adored. Yianni married his beloved wife Eleni sixty-one years ago in Istiaia, on the island of Evia in Greece. During his service in the U.S. military, Yianni went to Greece to marry Eleni. Together, they returned to the United States to begin their new life together. Yianni proudly worked for the United Parcel Service for 35 years as a Feeder Driver.

Yianni was beyond proud to be an American, especially in San Francisco, California. He was an outstanding father and provider who took tremendous pride in his family. His life’s mission was to help his children and grandchildren become educated and successful.

His sacrifice and incredible work ethic were an inspiration to his children and grandchildren. Coming from humble beginnings, Yianni wanted nothing more than for his children to have a better life than he had.

His grandchildren considered him a second father. Yianni was the backbone of his family. He gave the best advice and consistently encouraged everyone to be the best they could be. Yianni was known for his gregarious personality, loud voice, and great sense of humor.

For the past 45 years, Yianni and Eleni lived happily in San Mateo, where they were blessed with the constant support and affection of lifelong friends and family. Yianni’s passions included gardening, hunting, and sports. Throughout his life, he spent his summers in Edipsos, Evia, Greece taking care of the hotel he built.

A favorite quote of Yianni’s was “Kanis kalo, kai the vris apo to Theo.” Perform good deeds, and you will find goodness from God.

Trisaigon will be held at 7:00pm on Friday, September 23rd & Funeral Service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, September 24th at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 900 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA. Interment at Greek Orthodox Memorial Park, Colma, CA.

Donations can be made to the Church of the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church.