Yianni "John" Thrappas

Yianni (John) Thrappas embodied a gentle soul and a deeply generous, loving heart. With a warm smile, a soft chuckle, and twinkling eyes that lit up when surrounded by loved ones, Yianni radiated a quiet strength and kindness that made all who knew him feel valued and safe. Just as his beloved wife Marika tended to her vibrant flower garden, Yianni lovingly nurtured his vegetable garden, growing fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and herbs—always sharing the fruits of his labor with family, friends, and neighbors. Whether offering fresh produce, a thoughtful word, or simply a smile, Yianni always gave generously and without hesitation.

Born on the island of Chios, Greece, Yianni was raised in a close-knit family and grew up with a strong sense of humility, perseverance, and love for tradition. As a young man, he moved with his sister to Athens, where he met the love of his life, Marika (Mary) Zymnis. Together they formed a remarkable partnership built on devotion, trust, dedication to family, and mutual respect. Their love story would go on to span nearly 64 years and leave a lasting legacy of faith, family, community, and love.

In 1963, Yianni and Marika immigrated to San Jose, California, with their two children, George and Angela, seeking a better life and more opportunity for their growing family. Several years later, their daughter Denise was born, and together the family became a cornerstone of the local Greek community. They were active and beloved members of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and well known throughout San Jose for their warmth, work ethic, and generosity.

Yianni was a hard-working, resourceful, and humble man who approached every endeavor with quiet dedication. He worked at his brother and cousin’s steakhouse, helped establish a concession stand with Marika at Vasona Lake Park in Los Gatos, and later invested in real estate alongside his wife—building a better life for his children and grandchildren through careful planning and tireless effort. No job was too small or beneath him, and his humility was matched only by his reliability.

Above all, Yiannni’s deepest joy and purpose came from his family. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and Papou whose presence brought a sense of calm, warmth, and joy to the lives of those around him. His children—George Thrappas, Angela (Elias) Bakouros, and Denise (Andy) Johnson—felt the strength of his love every day, and he was endlessly proud of the family they built together.

Yianni cherished his five grandchildren: Maria (Patrick) Garrett, Costa Bakouros, Nicole (Pete) Athans, Adrienne Johnson, and John “Jack” Johnson. He delighted in their accomplishments, laughed at their jokes, and savored the time he spent with them—whether sharing stories, watching cowboy movies, or simply enjoying a meal together. He especially cherished the nickname “Papouko,” fondly given by his grandson Costa, and would always chuckle when he heard it even in his last days. In recent years, his heart swelled even more as he became a great-grandfather to Theodore and Angelina Garrett and Yanoula and Nektarios Athans.

Yianni also adored his sons-in-law, Elias Bakouros and Andy Johnson, and was deeply grateful for the love and care they brought into his family. He welcomed them not just as relatives, but as true sons. He also felt great joy in getting to know his grandsons-in-law, Patrick Garrett and Pete Athans, and took great pride in seeing his family continue to grow.

Throughout his nearly 95 beautiful years on this earth, Yianni lived a life defined by quiet dignity, unwavering devotion, and unconditional love. His presence was a steady source of peace, his words thoughtful and kind, and his actions always centered on service to others. He was a man who found deep happiness in the simple things—gardening, family meals, time with loved ones— through which, he gave others the greatest gifts of all: love, kindness, and a sense of belonging.

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, Yianni passed away peacefully in San Jose, California, the city he called home for more than six decades. He now joins his beloved wife Marika, who preceded him in 2022. Their love story lives on in the hearts of all fortunate enough to have known them, and the legacy they created together will continue to bloom for generations to come.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Trisagion Service in memory of Yianni on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 7:00 pm at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1260 Davis Street, San Jose, CA 95126. The Funeral Rite will be prayed at St. Nicholas on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11:00 am, followed by interment at Oak Hill Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Yianni’s memory to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, mailing address: 986 Chapman Street, San Jose, Ca 95126 or online at https://www.saintnicholas.org/donate and putting “In memory of Yianni Thrappas” in the memo/comments section.