John Sykoudis

Our loving father, John Sykoudis, born March 5, 1947, in Thassos, Greece to Gregory and Anastasia (Petraki) Sykoudis, peacefully passed away on February 7, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Katy, TX. John fought heart disease and cancer for decades, but the fight never deterred him from making the most of every moment and lighting up the lives of those around him. His relentless desire to enjoy life and even entertain those he loved, enabled him to defy the odds year after year. He was our superhero and our constant, too concerned with caring for his family and friends, to be bothered by mortality. He was loyal, funny, hardworking, strong, cheerful, brave, and lived life always giving more than he took to everyone around him. His love for life was infectious and everyone was better off for it.

In our grief, we are shaken by the immeasurable void of his absence. We miss his unquestionable love for his family, his love of music and his ability to belt out a beautiful song, fitting for any situation we were in. We miss the countless hours of stories that fueled our hearts and inspired us, his acceptance of everyone. We miss the tranquil smile that took over his face when he found himself lost in the nostalgia of memories from his youth. The world is dimmer without him in it.

Through enormous sacrifice on his part, we went from our humble origins on a small Greek island to respected careers and lives. With immense courage and a few rocks in his suitcase, he left everything he had known the first 43 years of his life, to begin from scratch in the United States, for the sake of his family's future. Against all odds, John built a successful granite and marble business that he continued to work until his last few days on earth. This business allowed us to grow up sheltered, privileged, and comfortable. He was so proud to have done this for us and we are eternally grateful for all he did for us. He understood that love is better defined through actions than words and he acted accordingly.

John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Lena and ex-wife Peggy; children, Anthony, Kristen (husband David), Gregory, Athanasios (wife Tessa), Joanna and Angelo. He is also survived by his sister Thomi and his seven grandchildren, Sarah, Joseph, Joshua, Sophia, Eli, Neo and Kira.