John Philip Tsitouris

John Tsitouris, born May 5th, 1936, went home to be with his Heavenly Father early Thursday morning, October 22, 2015 at CMC-Union. He was surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Philip and Verla Tsitouris. He was born and raised in Monroe, NC. Johny attended Benton Heights High School where he met his sweetheart of 56 years, Dottie.

His senior year, 1954, he signed to play professional baseball with the Detroit Tigers. He pitched and won his first professional game at the age of 21. From there, he went on to have an incredible career. In 1964, he pitched a 1-0 shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies that started their epic collapse. The best season of his career was in 1963, when he went 12-8 with a 3.16 ERA for the Reds. He finished the year with 145 strikeouts second highest on the pitching staff. He started 21 games, had 8 complete games, and 3 shutouts. He finished the 1963 season with back to back complete game shutouts against the Cardinals. He still holds the Sally League ERA record of 1.51. He stepped away from his professional baseball career in 1968 to permanently move back to Monroe where he would live a comfortable life with his wife Dorothy and their 5 children. He also served in the military, like most men of his era.

He was a fun loving man, with a heart of gold, and he will be missed by many, especially his family. He is survived by his wife Dorothy of the home, their five children, sons Philip of Monroe, Eric and wife Julia of Monroe, Daughter Robin Smith and husband Garry of Charlotte, daughter Sandy Conley and husband RC of Nellysford, VA., and son Marc of Monroe; his nine grandchildren, Johnny Tsitouris, Brooke Smith, Brooks Conley, Tori Tsitouris, Hunter Tsitouris, Abby Conley, Chase Smith, Emry Tsitouris and Gracie Tsitouris; one great grandchild, Daniel Tsitouris; his siblings, Georgia Brooks of North Myrtle Beach, SC, Ernest Tsitouris and wife Sue of Monroe, Sylvia Belk and husband Don of Matthews, Steve Tsitouris and wife Patsy Troutman, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Rachel Biggers and brother-in-laws, Harry Biggers and Charles Brooks.

He loved Jesus and spent every night reading God’s Word, loved to hunt and fish, but his favorite past-time was watching his grandchildren play in their sporting events. He was a humble, quiet and confident man. He took care of his family and we are proud to call him Dad and PawPaw. He achieved so much in the sports world as a Major League Baseball Pitcher. Yet when one of the doctors at the hospital asked him what he was most proud of, his answer was His Family.

The family will receive friends at McEwen Funeral Home on Sunday, October 25, 2015 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. The service to celebrate Johny’s life will be held in the McEwen Colonial Chapel on Monday, October 26, 2015 at 3:00pm, conducted by the Rev. Paul Saleeby. A burial service will follow in Lakeland Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.mcewenmonroechapel.com