John D. Pankas

John D. Pankas, 83, of Canonsburg, died Sunday, February 24, 2019.
He was born June 4, 1935, in Canonsburg, a son of Dimitri and Tsambika Kiriazis Pankas. 
He got his first job when he was 10 years old, shining shoes. As time went on, he fell in love with cars and was trained to be a mechanic. He is most known around Canonsburg for owning his auto garage,  Pankas Auto Service, on Adams Avenue. The garage served as not just a place for a car to be inspected, but as a meeting place for many in Canonsburg for decades. He worked as a mechanic there for over 57 years, retiring in 2013.
He was also known for helping anyone in need, for his dedication to his work and family, and his humble personality. He was a lifelong member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, in Canonsburg, and a member of the Pan Rhodian Society.
On August 3, 1962, he married Carole Rusiewski Pankas, who survives.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, James (Melissa) Pankas, of Aldie, Virginia; his daughter, Marcy (Jeffrey) Cadez, of Canonsburg; brother, George (Amelia) Pankas, of Canonsburg; sister, Stella "Beba" (George) Velisaris, of Canonsburg, sister-in-law, Lynda Pankas, of Bridgeville; four grandchildren, Jonathan Cadez, Jessica Cadez, Colby Pankas, Maile Pankas; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Sam J. Pankas.
Friends will be received Tuesday, in All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 601 West McMurray Road, Canonsburg,  3-8pm. Trisagion Tuesday, at 7pm.  Additional visitation will be held in the church on Wednesday from 10-11am. Services will be held Wednesday at 11am, in the church with Father George L. Livanos, officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Sollon Funeral and Cremation Services, LTD, 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, Phillip L. Sollon, supervisor, J. David Sollon, director, 724-746-1000.
Interment will follow in the Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg.
The family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund, or Allegheny Health Network Hospice.
Please visit www.sollon.com to leave online condolences.

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