Manuel M. Johns

MANUEL JOHNS

Manuel Johns of Canonsburg, Pa., and Clearwater, Fla., died Sept. 25, 2018, in TownView Health and Rehabilitation Center in Canonsburg.

He was 89 years old.

The son of Amelia Manos and Nick Johns (Diakomanolis), Manuel was born July 14, 1929. He was the youngest of 13 children. He graduated from Cecil High School.

Manuel served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was decorated with the National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal.

He worked for 32 years for Kroger and at Foodland for six years, serving as manager at various stores for both grocery chains in the Pittsburgh area.

Manuel was a member of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church of Canonsburg and AHEPA Chapter 156 -- American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association – and held leadership roles in the governing boards of both entities. He was instrumental in starting the All Saints’ popular annual food festival. In 2014, Manuel was honored by the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh with a St. Photios Award for his years of faithful service to the church and community. He was also a member of the Pan Rhodian Society, and American Legion Post #902 of Houston, Pa.

In December, 2001, Manuel carried the Olympic Torch in Washington, Pa., as the sacred flame made its way from Greece, homeland of his parents, to the Salt Lake City games. He was nominated for the honor in an essay written by his daughter, Amy, who passed the torch to her father.

Manuel is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bessie Sarris Johns; daughter Amy Lynn Johns and son-in-law Pete Zapadka of Morgantown, W.Va.; son Nick Johns and daughter-in-law Tracy Mele-Johns of Venetia, Pa.; granddaughters Alisha Marie Johns of Pomona, Calif., and Carly Nicole Johns of Venetia, Pa.; step-granddaughters Allison and Jessica Zapadka, and step-great-granddaughter Layla McGrogan, all of Green Tree, Pa.

Also surviving are a sister, Catherine Kisella of Canonsburg, and hundreds of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and so on, from Alaska to Florida.

Manuel was preceded in death by eight sisters – Stella Manolas, Sara Regas, Martha Biologlowa, Fannie Ramfos, Venus Soutouras, Connie Diana, Joanna Johns, and an infant female, and three brothers – John, George and Hercules.

Friends will be received at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church on McMurray Road, Canonsburg, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, and 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2,, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Cecil Township. Arrangements entrusted to Sollon Funeral and Cremation Service, Ltd., 30 E. College St. Canonsburg, PA, 15317, Phillip L. Sollon, Supervisor, J. David Sollon, Director, 724-746-1000. Contributions may be made in Manuel’s name to the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 601 W. McMurray Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317.

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