Johnny Emanuel Zaphiriou

John Emanuel Zaphiriou, Johnny, crossed over to the Great Beyond on March 28, 2022, at the age of 81. He was diagnosed with late stage Esophageal Cancer in February of 2022. He didn’t suffer and took his last breath in the comfort of his own home, which is just what he wanted. And as many of us know, He wanted things done his way.

Johnny was born on March 4^th, 1941 in Wheeling West Virginia to the late Emmanuel and Pauline (Gump) Zaphiriou. Emanuel Zaphiriou emigrated from Greece and was born on the Island of Samos. Johnny had the great honor and privilege to travel to Greece in the 1980’s with his Father. He held this trip very close to his heart. I know he cried when he placed his hands on the great Parthenon.  John moved to the east side of Indianapolis when he was just 4 months old. He was a true Eastsider and a long time Irvington resident. He was always proud of his roots for they ran deep. He was an Eastsider who everyone will remember. His presence was larger than life. His laugh would echo a room in the typical Greek way.

He graduated from Warren High school in 1959, but he also attended Arsenal Technical School for the first 2 years, then his family moved to what is now Washington Square Mall. Rumor has it he and his buddies blew up the chemistry lab; he was a rebel rouser even at that young age. During that time He worked for his Father at “Manny’s Restaurant & Cafeteria”. Manny was a trailblazer, the cafeteria concept was new at that time. Johnny continued to blaze those trails with his own endeavors. He was also a big brother to Dora Kay, Pandora, and Michael.

He began quite a journey after High school. Life really started for him. He joined the Navy and was stationed in Norfolk Virginia. He was a Torpedo man’s mate on a Submarine during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He traveled the seas and grew up quite a bit. He was honorably discharged and used the G.I. Bill to finance his college education. He attended IU Bloomington, where he not only got a B.A. in Education; he met the love of his life, Marianna Ritter Zaphiriou. She is a small town girl from Scottsburg, Indiana and was swept off her feet by this Greek man. They were married January 29^th, 1967. They spent 55 wonderful years together; growing, learning, loving, dancing, traveling, and raising 3 children. Jason Emanuel was born in 1970, Damon Adam in 1974, and Joanna Kay in 1975. He taught his children to be individuals, to work smart and not hard. To believe in the power of the underdog, to always be grateful for our freedom, and to balance the head and the heart.

In the midst of it all, Johnny was a member of the Order of the Ahepa, the Indianapolis Jaycees, and a Member of the Masonic Lodge. He worked tirelessly for the Hudnut Administration and later became an advocate for the common cause. He participated in several campaigns. He became the campaign manager for his wife’s long tenure on the Indianapolis Public School board. Yard signs were everywhere, saying Vote for Z…she did win both times.  He was always learning and loved to lecture and or debate anyone who dared to listen. John went back to school and received his Master’s in History and Philosophy and had neared completion of his Doctorate. He worked as a substitute teacher, a restaurant manager, and even a probation officer. John retired from the Indiana State Department of Mental Health. During that tenure, he thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of strategic planning and implementing logistics within Mental Health care facilities.

Johnny was a social animal; he had many friends in all circles of life. He did not discriminate; he recognized the interconnectedness of it all.

Johnny always had a passion for motorcycles; he even had a small bike in college.  In the 90’s he got the itch to ride again. He wanted to taste the freedom of the road and wind beneath his wings. He belonged to the Indianapolis Harley Owners Group for a bit. But during this time, he found his Tribe. He joined the Vigilante Motorcycle Club of Indpls. There were many years of laughter, brotherhood, and countless adventures on that steel horse. His trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota was one of his all-time favorite adventures. It was another milestone trip for him. And during this time Groucho was born.  He was a man of many hats, but those who truly knew him as Groucho will always have a place in his heart and in his highball glass.

The man kept going. He started his own real estate company in 2007, EZ Real estate. As way to honor his Father but also as way to give back to the community in hopes to be part of the revitalization of the near East Side.

A man and his cigar, one who loved classic films such as Casablanca and music. He and his wife both shared many Neil Diamond records together. He loved Sci fiction and Science fact. He loved history, current affairs, philosophy, and was a firm believer in the democratic process. John reached yet another milestone when he became a grandfather in 2013. Zettie Ana Zaphiriou, his son Damon’s’ extraordinary daughter. She became a new light in the autumn of his years, as well as, another branch on the Family tree. Papou was so proud.

Johnny E. Zaphiriou will be greatly missed by his family, his tribe, and his friends. But he will never be forgotten. He left his mark on the East side of Indianapolis. I can only hope that we can keep his spirit alive; through stories, songs, and a smile.  His soul is swirling around the Universe and he knows how well loved he was. We love you more. And yes, You sure did it your way.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, from 12pm to 2pm at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, with a funeral service to follow at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Johnny’s name to the Little Red Door Cancer Agency, 1801 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46202.