John G. Pandelios

John G. Pandelios, 98, formerly of Weirton, died peacefully at home in Erie, Pa. on Wednesday, December 3, 2014. John was born on October 6, 1916, in Weirton, the son of the late George John Pandelios and Maria (Boulles) Pandelios. John was preceded in death by a brother James Pandelios and a sister Pearle Fentis. He is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Elma (Adalis) Pandelios, his son George and wife Judith (Cagno) Pandelios and their children John and Mark, of Hummelstown, Pa., and his daughter Dorothy and husband Kevin Cooney and their children Daniel and Katherine of Erie, PA. John used his strong character, organizational skills, exceptional memory, and friendly disposition to make many contributions to his country, his family, his church, and his community. He was a great father and grandfather who believed in the importance of history and storytelling. He considered himself fortunate to have lived through and observed a rapidly changing period of history. He enjoyed telling the stories of his incredible experiences to family and friends. He was a Weir High School graduate of the mid-year class of 1935. As a teenager, John learned to play the alto horn and played in several bands hired to walk with wedding parties, funerals, and civic processions through town. Throughout his life he had a great interest and participated in football, basketball, baseball, bowling and golf. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on May 29, 1941. During World War II he served aboard the USS Ascella (AK 137), a supply ship that served the Pacific Fleet. In later years, John and Elma travelled around the country for reunions with his fellow shipmates. During his 22 years in the Navy and Naval Reserve, he served on stations and commands in San Diego, CA., Samar, Philippine Islands, Norfolk, VA., and the U.S. Naval Reserve Training Center, Steubenville, OH. During his annual reserve training periods he served on the naval bases of Philadelphia, PA., and Norfolk, Va., and on various ships in the Atlantic Fleet. He retired as Chief Petty Officer (Yeoman). In 1963, John served on board the destroyer tender USS TIDEWATER (AD 4). This ship joined a destroyer task force, Atlantic Fleet, with President John F. Kennedy on board, proceeding south to observe the Russia/Cuba missile fortifications. John belonged to various veterans groups including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2716 (over 50 years), American Legion Post 10 (over 50 years), Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, National World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA. and was a "Plank Owner" of the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, DC, He retired from National Steel in 1980 as an industrial engineer with 31 1/2 years of service; he was a member of the Weirton Steel 25 Year Club. John was a life member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers. During his 75-year membership in the Order of AHEPA, Hancock Chapter #103, John held various positions including president, secretary for 27 years, vice president, board member, and chairman of the audit, budget and by-laws committees. He served as 3rd vice president, board member, and member of the audit, budget and by-laws committees of the Weir-Cove A.A.R.P Chapter #3846 and was a member of the Weirton Elks Lodge #1891 and the All Saints Senior Citizens. He attended the first official church service of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church on March 25, 1917, and was a lifelong member, historian of the church, and organizer of the church choir in 1937. He served on the Parish Council in 1939 and served as financial and recording secretary (1952/1954). Elected chairman of the Building Fund Committee (1947/1949), he contributed to the building of the present edifice on West Street. He chaired the by-laws, membership, and audit committees since 1987, and was a member of the committee that purchased the Cove Post Office building. He co-chaired the 75th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) Album, and served on many fund raising projects. He served as Secretary of the General Assembly and as President since 1992. He was a member of the Fort Steuben Council of the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years, serving as Weir-Cove District Chairman of the Educational and Training Program and the Eagle Scout Review Board. He was Committee Chairman and Institutional Representative of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church Pack and Troop 131. He was a member and the historian of the Weirton Historic Landmarks Commission and Weirton Area Historical Association. Since 2007, John served as a Director of the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center. He was a resource to the museum for family and community history dating back to the founding of Weirton in 1909. In 2012, John published the book Memoirs of North Weirton from 1920 through the 1930s and was honored by the museum as "Historian". All proceeds from the sale of the book were donated to the museum. Last year, the West Virginia State Historical Foundation honored John as a "2013 State Historian". Visitation will be held Sunday from 1-3 and 6-8 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main St., Weirton, WV where Trisagion services will be held at 7:30 PM. Additional visitation will be held 10 AM until time of the funeral services at 11 AM Monday at the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Weirton. The Reverend Father Frank A. Milanese will preside. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Weirton with military graveside services conducted by the American Legion Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 3528 West Street, P.O. Box 128, Weirton, WV 26062 or the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, P.O. Box 517, Weirton, WV. 26062.