John Koukoltsios

WYOMING-John Koukoltsios, 83, of Wyoming, passed away Tuesday morning, April 16, 2013 at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in Kozani, Greece on November 1, 1929, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Anastasia (Tsadiras) Koukoltsios. John was educated in Greece. He attended the University of Salonica where he studied Physics. After college, he served as an engineer in the Greek Army where he was a First Lieutenant. Upon his return, John worked as a shoe designer; a trait he learned from his father. In 1959, Heavenly Shoes relocated him from Greece to the Wyoming Valley. In 1973, John and his brother-in-law, George Tsioles opened the first Mr. Donut shops in Kingston and Exeter. He later opened other locations with his wife Harriet in Pittston and Carbondale. He was the current owner of Donut Connection in Exeter. John was a faithful member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Wilkes-Barre, where he was very active for over 50 years. He was also a member and former president of the local chapter of AHEPA, and a member of the Foreman and Superintendents Association. He played piano, violin, saxophone, and the accordion. John was one of the founding members of Estia Pierithon, a philharmonic association in Greece, and composed music as well. John was devoted to his family and grandchildren and enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends. He is survived by his loving wife, the former Harriet Calimeres, with whom he celebrated 49 years of marriage in January; his daughters, Anastasia Lawrence and her husband, Shane of Blandon; Dina Banas and her husband, Dave of Harding; grandchildren Casey and Christopher Lawrence and John and Julia Banas; sisters Popi and Kaiti of Greece and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Kniffen O'Malley Funeral Home, Inc., 465 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. Trisagion Service will be at 6 p.m at the funeral home Friday. The funeral will begin Saturday at 9:30 a.m at the funeral home, followed by services at 10 a.m. at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 32 Ross Street, Wilkes-Barre, with Father Gabriel Nicholas officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Township. Memorial donations may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 32 Ross Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.