John H. Angelos, 83, of Helena, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on September 23, 2010.
John was born on July 28, 1927 in Chicago to Harry and Stella Angelos, and was the second of four children.
He had great stories to tell about growing up in Chicago, recalling taking the streetcar to play in Lincoln Park or River View Amusement Park. John showed an early aptitude for art as well as fixing all things mechanical, particularly cars. Soon after graduating from Crane Technical High School in 1945, John was drafted into the Army Air Force and served in occupied Japan after the end of World War II.
After returning home, John worked as a printer and lithographer, managing the lithography department at Doolittle Printing in downtown Chicago for several years. In 1965, John married Marion Georgas, and they had two children, Anastasia and John. The family moved to Montana in 1972 to begin farming near Conrad. John loved Montana and the new life he created for his family. Even after moving to Helena, he never really retired from farming, visiting the farm often and working up until nearly the time of his diagnosis.
John was a member of Chicago Masonic Lodge #1084 for 58 years. His hobbies included trap shooting, classic cars, carpentry, and photography. Dad loved Western art, opera music, movies, and crossword puzzles. He made the best scrambled eggs and French toast. Dad was especially proud of his grandchildren, twins James and Gracie. He taught us the value of hard work, a kind heart, and a good story. We miss him deeply, but are comforted in the belief that we will see him again one day.
John is survived by his wife, Marion, daughter and son-in-law, Anastasia and Jim Burton of Helena and their children, James and Gracie; son John S. Angelos of Conrad; sister Evangeline Matinas of Los Angeles; sister Georgia Bakakos of Chicago, and several nieces and nephews and their families. John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Nick Angelos.
A private Mass of Christian Resurrection will be held in the chapel at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 29, followed by burial with military honors at Resurrection Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the ambulance team, nurses, and hospice staff at St. Peter’s for their compassionate care of John in his final days. Memorials are suggested to the Hospice Program at St.Peter’s Hospital 2475 Broadway Helena, MT 59601 or the American Cancer Society 550 North 31st Suite 103 Billings, MT 59101.
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Barry & Violette Berger says
Our condolences to John’s family–Marion, Stacy,John, Georgia & Angie. May God’s grace be sufficient in comforting you. We believe that John never met a stranger; he made an indelible impression on everyone he met. He was an absolute joy and has given us many precious memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Barry & Violette (& Mama Julia, too)
Tom & Janet Georgas says
Mary, Stacy, John and Family,
We were sad to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts are with you. John was a wonderful person who had a larger than life personality. We have pleasant memories of John, especially when we visited you all in Montana. Please except our deepest sympathy. May his memory be eternal!
Love,
Tom, Janet and Katie
Eddie and Kim Brannock says
Anastasia, Jim, Gracie and Jimmy, We are so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. You are in our prayers. I hope that your memories of him will be a comfort in the days to come.
Love, Eddie and Kim