John F. Zorbas

ALBANY - John F. Zorbas, 95 of Albany, passed away on December 1, 2022, peacefully though broken hearted over the recent loss of his wife and soulmate of 70 years, Demetra. He was surrounded by his loving family.
He was born and raised in Sparta, a prominent city-state in Laconia, Greece. John was orphaned in his early teens, losing both parents and his only sibling, a sister. He was passed around to relatives who could not afford to feed nor clothe him. At the age of 16, he forged papers and lied about his age so that he could enlist in the Greek army; at least there he would have food to eat and a sense of family and belonging amongst his soldier friends.
Several years later, an army buddy encouraged him to correspond with a young lady in Athens. After a couple of years, the two pen pals arranged to meet on a street corner in Athens. It was love at first sight, a love and life that endured and stood the test of time.
Life in post-war Greece was exceptionally difficult. Employment was near impossible at that time and he found it hard to be a good provider.
A short time later, a fortune teller gave them the good news they were destined to go to a far-off land-to seek a better life. And so it happened, a couple of weeks later, they received a letter from an aunt that was born in the U.S. She offered passage to Albany. Because of the stringent immigration laws, John had to travel here first and worked three jobs around the clock to earn money so that his wife and young daughter could later join him. With no education, no knowledge of the English language and not a penny to his name, he arrived at Ellis Island in pursuit of the American Dream. After a waiting period of several years, he renounced his Greek citizenship and proudly became an American citizen.
John embraced every challenge with fervor and passion; he eagerly took on new customs and looked to succeed at all costs! He had so many different jobs including dishwasher and cook (in a Greek diner of course), a painter, and eventually a builder and contractor. He built numerous homes in Albany and Cape Cod.
A devoted and loving husband and father, he was the rock who guided three daughters and one son throughout their lives. These four would marry and later added 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. We often and fondly referred to him as St. John, the quintessential gentleman – a most thoughtful and kind husband and father. His love and sacrifice knew no boundaries. He loved to cook breakfast; sometimes pancakes and sometimes eggs with ham or eggs with Feta cheese. Until this day, his grandchildren claim that he made the very best pancakes they ever had! He was an avid gardener, planted gardens everywhere they lived and harvested so many vegetables and herbs. We subsisted on his homemade bread and pitas, which he excelled at! We recall the nights at drive-in theaters, watching movies from the back of our family station wagon. We fondly remember Platt's strawberry sundaes, picking grapes for homemade wine, tomatoes and cucumbers for canning, and picking apples, pears, cherries and so much more.
His work ethic helped reap many rewards. John retired early and with his doting wife at his side, they lived a very full and adventurous life. They enjoyed summers in Cape Cod and winters in Florida. They traveled to many destinations, and they danced whenever there was music playing!
John never forgot his humble beginnings, and would regularly send boxes of shoes and clothing to needy relatives and friends back in the "old country."
"We hold you close within our hearts, And there you shall remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, Until we meet again." "A husband, a father, a grandpa too, This is the legacy we have from you. You taught us love and how to fight, You gave us strength, you gave us might. A stronger person would be hard to find, And in your heart, you were always kind. You fought for us all in one way or another, Not just as a husband not just as a father. For all of us you gave your best, Now the time has come for you to rest. So go in peace, you've earned your sleep, Your love in our hearts, we'll eternally keep."
He was recently predeceased by his devoted and loving wife, Demetra Karathanasis Zorbas; his parents, Foti and Angeliki Lembesis Zorbas; and his sister, Evangelia Zorbas. He was also predeceased by his brother-in-law, Thanasis Karathanasis, and sisters-in-law, Nickoletta Karathanasis and Sophia Karathanasis. He is survived by his four children, Angelique Huerter (James), Fannia Mendel (Matt), Frances Meyer (Christopher), and Foti Zorbas (Colleen); his beloved grandchildren, Michael Mooney (Kara), John Mooney (Chris), Nikki Owens (Brandon), Jamie Sanok (David), Kristina Meyer, Alex Mendel, Callista Zorbas, Demetra Zorbas, Christopher Meyer Jr., John Meyer, and John Zorbas; his cherished great-grandchildren, Jackson, Patrick, Reese, Addy, Demi, William, and Ava; He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Pithagoras Karathanasis of Albany; his sister-in-law, Evanthia Markakis of Melbourne, Australia; and many nieces and nephews.
You are forever in our hearts - you are our Daddy, our Papou and our Super Papou too!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude and are forever grateful to the very kind and compassionate Cora Caulfield.
The family extends their appreciation to the team at Community Hospice in Albany.
Private family services will be held at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Albany.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at Stjude.org/memorial or by calling 800-873-6983.
Services are with the Cannon Funeral Home. To leave a message for the family, visit CannonFuneral.com