John Nicholas Vassos, 59, a resident of Montgomery County, MD, died on Monday, January 18 at his home surrounded by his family after a hard fought two year battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on November 27, 1961 in Washington, DC, to Elaine and the late Nicholas Vassos, John was a graduate of Salisbury University. He owned and operated BCE Corporation and CapX Solutions. John was a longtime member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, D.C and he had a special relationship with St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bethesda, MD. In addition to his mother, John is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Joan Vassos; his four children, Nicholas Vassos of Washington, DC, Erica Vassos of Rockville, MD, Luke Vassos of North Bethesda, MD and Allison (Noah) Joseph of Brookeville, MD; his sister, Katina Vassos of Washington, DC and his grandson, Boomer John Joseph.
John embraced life with vigor and never did anything halfway. If you were his friend, he loved you forever and would do anything for you. He was known for his epic generosity and it is impossible to count the number of people and organizations he supported.
For many years many of his best times were spent coaching youth football for Olney Boys and Girls Club and White Oak Football. He loved seeing each player develop their skills while teaching them about the importance of sportsmanship and other life lessons. He embraced the players and their families and made sure every one of them knew how special they were to him. He made these organizations feel like families and not just sports teams. And he bragged until the end about his 6 Pop Warner National Championship wins!
The beach was his most favorite place in the world and sitting on his dock at sunset with family and friends was his heaven on earth. The cornhole boards were always set up and he welcomed a good game anytime! “Johnny’s By The Bay” will remain forever in our hearts!
Many afternoons were spent with his “Greek uncles” playing cards and the stories of who cheated more are still being debated. They even terrorized the oncology ward at Sibley playing cards in the tiny infusion rooms while John waged his war against his cancer.
He loved watching sports and there was always a game on the TV. He would even watch corn hole if there wasn’t anything else on!
To say he was proud of his kids would be a massive understatement. They will carry on his legacy of generosity, his passion for life, and his love of family and friends!
Friends are invited to celebrate John’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Due to COVID restrictions, we ask that you quickly pay your respects to allow others to enter the facility. A private funeral service will be held on Friday, January 22 at Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis, MD with interment at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Washington Jesuit Academy, c/o Advancement Office, 900 Varnum Street NE, Washington, DC 20017.
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John Nicholas Vassos, 59, a resident of Montgomery County, MD, died on Monday, January 18 at his home surrounded by his family after a hard fought two year battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on November 27, 1961 in Washington, DC, to Elaine and the late Nicholas Vassos, John was a graduate of Salisbury University. He owned and operated BCE Corpor