John G. Kazas, age 78, of Lincoln, passed away on August 19th, 2023. He was born on November 16th, 1944, in the Village of Potamia, on the Island of Chios, Greece, to his parents, George and Sofia (Kontos) Kazas. He was a life-long member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Lincoln. He arrived in the United States of America while working as a cook at the age of 16, on a cargo ship for the late shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. He started working as a prep cook at the infamous Copacabana restaurant and club in New York City. An opportunity presented itself in Dubuque, IA working for a relative. This is where he met and married the love of his life, Despina (Mrs. K) Kazas. They became restaurant owners in Cleveland, OH with the Best Steakhouses. Opportunity came knocking again and he became an owner of three Bonanza Steakhouses in Carroll, IA and Lincoln, NE. He grew tired of working for others in franchise ownership. John and Despina owned and operated Papa John’s Greek Family Restaurant in downtown Lincoln for a couple of decades. Working side by side with Mrs. K, they raised six amazing children. His patrons affectionately knew him as “Papa John”. He then helped his sons open The Parthenon Greek restaurant, which was open for a couple of decades. Many will also remember him from Farmer’s Markets in Lincoln and Omaha for the past 35 years at which all of his sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters have helped, as well as at many fairs and festivals across the Midwest. He was a selfless man who would do anything for others, including strangers but more importantly for his family.
He is survived by daughters Sophia Kazas, Stella (and John) Kalogeras, son George Kazas (and Shana Damian), daughter Mariana (and Steve) Hurst, son Michael (and Catalina) Kazas, daughter Angela (and Bob) Grenier, and grandchildren Yianni Kalogeras, Thespina (Tessa) Hurst, Jacoby Hurst, George-Michael Kalogeras, Sofia Hurst, Gianna Grenier, Ehvie Grenier, Despina (Ania) Kazas, Ioannis (Ios) Kazas, Despina Kazas, Hannah, Aliza, and Anthony Damian. He is also survived by his sister Stella (and Pete) Hametis. He is cherished and loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins. John is preceded in death by his wife Despina, parents George & Sofia Kazas, father-in-law and mother-in-law Mike and Stella Kritikos.
Visitation will be held beginning at 6:00pm, with a Trisagion Service at 7:15pm on Monday, August 28th at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 O St. Funeral services will begin at 12:00pm on Tuesday, August 29th at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 950 N 63rd St, followed by internment at Wyuka Cemetery, 3600 O St.
Memorials may be given to the family for a charitable donation to be made in memory of John to various churches and monasteries within the US and Greece.
My sincere condolences in the passing of Pappa John. He was a one of a kind human being and he was loved by so many. A giving man with a great personality and sense of humor. He will be missed. May his memory be Eternal in the hearts and minds of all those who love him.
So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Our Deapest sympathies and condolences to the entire family.
We will continue to keep our arm s and thoughts positively wrapped around our friend Sophia as she processes and mourns the passing of one great man.
Going to miss papa John dearly he was a great man. My sincere condolences..love you all
Mariana, so sorry to hear of your loss.
The Petrow family is so saddened by your loss. John was a lovely person and we are lucky we knew him. Prayers to your family.
I never knew Mr. Kazas but I’ve heard many wonderful stories from his daughter Sophia. I wish the best for his children, grandchildren, all of his friends, and the very many customers he served over the years.
My condolences to the whole family, many of whom I met years ago as a waitress at Papa John’s. He was a great, kind soul. Even though I did not last long as a waitress (baklava spill Lol ). I stayed a regular for many years. Rest in Peace and condolences to all who loved him!
Mr. Kazas was like a father figure to me as I went to UNL for undergrad and graduate school and he made sure I was safe and well fed! This family is so kind and loving. You will always have a special
place in my heart my “ buddy” . Memory forever eternal.
What a wonderful life he lived. So sorry for your loss!!
I am so sad sad to hear about Pappa John. He basically gave me my first job. I worked with him and his family for 4 years at bonanza. Another 2 years at Pappas johns. Man did they make awsome food. His sons are awsome cooks to. John had a habit of always calling me by my last name Douglass. My order was always plain gryo sand with a side mashed and extra gravy. Love and prayers to his family. A special hug to my friend sophia
Papa and Mama always made my day better when I could stop for breakfast at “Papa Johns” Downtown. They taught George and Mike well. We went to the “Parthanon” for dinner one night with our granddaughter and she told her parents “They treated me like a princess!!!” I am privledged to have been acquainted with “Papa”!
Pops always treated us as if we were a part of his family at the Farmers market in downtown Omaha. His generosity and kindness will not be forgotten. He will be dearly missed by my family. Rest in peace Pops. You were loved.
I want to extend my sincere condolences for your family’s loss! I first met John at his restaurant downtown in Lincoln. As a member of the LPD bike patrol we would stop in there often for lunch and I always felt loved and cared for! John and Mrs. K taught George and Mike well, and that feeling of love continued for 20 years at the Parthenon! His was a life, well lived!
I fondly remember taking a class with George, at east high school. That was how I first fell in love with Greek food. Many times coming home from work I would get off at the bus stop in front of papa John’s to get dinner to take home. The farmers market stops and Parthenon later on. Always a smile on his face. He will be missed,blessed be
George, my name is Andre Herman, I knew your father well, could you please provide me with an address/phone number in order to provide condolences and memorial. My phone number is 402/499-4744.
Hi Andre- you two did no each other very well over the years! You were a good friend to him. Any condolences or memorials can be sent to the family at 3606 Diablo Dr Lincoln, NE 68516.
Thanks for your friendship with dad over the years!