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October 30, 2023
Services
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 4-8 PM.
Funeral Services will be held at 9:30 AM on Friday, November 3, 2023 from the funeral home, then to Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church, 630 Valley Road, Wayne where at 10:30 AM a Funeral Mass will be offered. Following the mass, John will be laid to rest at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes, NJ.
John A. Demetrius, a man of great energy and boundless love passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023. He was 92.
Born and raised in the borough of Brooklyn, NY, John was the child of James and Anna Demetrius. He departed this world leaving behind a legacy of resilience, generosity, and an indomitable work ethic.
John began his journey as a young adult by graduating with the Class of 1949 from Midwood High School in Brooklyn. His thirst for knowledge and academic excellence led him to pursue a bachelor's degree from New York University and a master's degree in accounting from Pace University. Remarkably, John put himself through both college and graduate school, achieving honors at both institutions.
During his time at NYU, John patriotism inspired him to enlist in the U.S. Navy, serving abroad from 1952 to 1955 during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, his service was recognized with the bestowment of the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation (Europe) Service Medal, and the China Service Medal. Throughout his life, John was a true patriot who loved his country.
John's professional endeavor in his chosen field of accountancy began at Haskin and Sells in New York City, where his mastery of the material saw him successfully pass the CPA exam. Upon passing, he was generously gifted $100 from his employer. Being a generous man himself, he donated one half of that $100 gift to help support Danny Thomas’ efforts to establish St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, This was a testament to his philanthropic spirit but it was just the start as John continued to support this worthy cause for the rest of his life.
John’s career flourished as he later transitioned to Brout and Company in New York City until 1984 when he decided to establish his own accountancy firm, Demetrius and Company LLC. He loved his work and remained dedicated to his profession and clients until the remarkable age of ninety when he finally retired.
Family was central to John's life. His loving marriage to Millena Rapuano began during a professional encounter, where John, conducting an audit at the company where Millena worked, Taking a liking to her, he discovered it was Millena’s birthday. Hearing about her wish for a camera, he saw an opportunity to ask her out for a drink and dinner with the offer to also assist her in shopping for a good camera. This small gesture eventually led to a beautiful marriage at the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Brooklyn on June 11, 1961.
The couple celebrated their union with a reception at Grace Chateau in Brooklyn, followed by a memorable honeymoon in Puerto Rico. Their honeymoon concluded with a heartwarming gesture of bringing a stray puppy back from Puerto Rico to comfort Millena's mother who had recently experienced the passing of her dear dog.
John and Millena’s first home in an apartment on Bay 17th Street in Brooklyn welcomed the birth of their son Gerard. Shortly after, they moved to a brand-new home at 39 Weinmanns Boulevard in Wayne, NJ. The move marked a significant change, offering a quieter, more country-like lifestyle compared to their life in Brooklyn. It also marked the further growth of their family as they welcomed their daughter Gineen and their son Gregory.
In times of leisure, John cultivated various hobbies, including coin and stamp collecting, as well as being an active member of the Radio Club of America. He found solace and joy in the tranquility of his beautiful flower gardens, often accompanied by his beloved dogs throughout the years, including Max, Wally, Gizmo, Bailey, Jeffrey, and presently Spencer, as well as his cherished cats, Spencer, Princess, and Bandit.
Above all else, John’s truest passion lay in his devotion to his faith in God and his family.
As a charter Parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church in Wayne, NJ, John dedicated himself to serving the church community for decades. His commitment was evident through his role as an usher from 1968 until just two months ago, where he continued to assist Sunday mass attendees, despite relying on a cane to usher them to their seats. He was also a devoted member of the Our Lady of the Valley Church’s Holy Name Society, participating in philanthropic activities such as feeding the homeless at Eva’s Village in Paterson. John's service even went beyond the church doors serving as a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus in Little Falls and as a member of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). His selflessness was also acknowledged by the American Cancer Society, for his volunteering efforts.
In addition to his love and devotion for his wife Millena, John was a loving father to his children, Gerard, Gineen, and Gregory. His legacy lives on through his three children, who at one point, all worked alongside him in his accounting business. He supported his son Gregory as a coach in his youth sports leagues and as an active fund raiser for his high school booster club. His grandchildren—Amara, Michael, Alexa, Jake, and Zack—held a special place in his heart, affectionately calling him “Papa-Moo” and having great times together, going on rides and creating great memories. Alongside his wife Millena, John played a vital role in raising his grandchildren, always offering unwavering support and love and being there for all their significant milestones and events. His dedication shone through in every aspect of his life, even extending to supporting his grandson's sports teams through his accounting firm's sponsorship.
John’s legacy is marked by his generosity, loyalty, hard work, and an unyielding love for his family and friends. His presence will be sorely missed, but the impact of his kindness and the memories he created will forever be treasured by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
John was the beloved husband of Millena, blessed in marriage for 62 years. He was the loving father of: Gerard Demetrius and wife Christine of Ledgewood, NJ, Gineen Serafin and husband Bill of Wayne, NJ, and Gregory Demetrius and wife Johanna of Wayne; and cherished grandfather of: Amara, Michael, Alexa, Jake, and Zack.
Those planning an expression of sympathy in John’s name are asked to consider:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Memorial Processing
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105-9959
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Attn: Office of Development
2900 Rocky Point Dr.
Tampa, FL 33607
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 4-8 PM.
Funeral Services will be held at 9:30 AM on Friday, November 3, 2023 from the funeral home, then to Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church, 630 Valley Road, Wayne where at 10:30 AM a Funeral Mass will be offered. Following the mass, John will be laid to rest at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes, NJ.
October 30, 2023
Services
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 4-8 PM.
Funeral Services will be held at 9:30 AM on Friday, November 3, 2023 from the funeral home, then to Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church, 630 Valley Road, Wayne where at 10:30 AM a Funeral Mass will be offered. Following the mass, John will be laid to rest at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes, NJ.
John A. Demetrius, a man of great energy and boundless love passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023. He was 92.
Born and raised in the borough of Brooklyn, NY, John was the child of James and Anna Demetrius. He departed this world leaving behind a legacy of resilience, generosity, and an indomitable work ethic.
John began his journey as a young adult by graduating with the Class of 1949 from Midwood High School in Brooklyn. His thirst for knowledge and academic excellence led him to pursue a bachelor's degree from New York University and a master's degree in accounting from Pace University. Remarkably, John put himself through both college and graduate school, achieving honors at both institutions.
During his time at NYU, John patriotism inspired him to enlist in the U.S. Navy, serving abroad from 1952 to 1955 during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, his service was recognized with the bestowment of the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation (Europe) Service Medal, and the China Service Medal. Throughout his life, John was a true patriot who loved his country.
John's professional endeavor in his chosen field of accountancy began at Haskin and Sells in New York City, where his mastery of the material saw him successfully pass the CPA exam. Upon passing, he was generously gifted $100 from his employer. Being a generous man himself, he donated one half of that $100 gift to help support Danny Thomas’ efforts to establish St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, This was a testament to his philanthropic spirit but it was just the start as John continued to support this worthy cause for the rest of his life.
John’s career flourished as he later transitioned to Brout and Company in New York City until 1984 when he decided to establish his own accountancy firm, Demetrius and Company LLC. He loved his work and remained dedicated to his profession and clients until the remarkable age of ninety when he finally retired.
Family was central to John's life. His loving marriage to Millena Rapuano began during a professional encounter, where John, conducting an audit at the company where Millena worked, Taking a liking to her, he discovered it was Millena’s birthday. Hearing about her wish for a camera, he saw an opportunity to ask her out for a drink and dinner with the offer to also assist her in shopping for a good camera. This small gesture eventually led to a beautiful marriage at the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Brooklyn on June 11, 1961.
The couple celebrated their union with a reception at Grace Chateau in Brooklyn, followed by a memorable honeymoon in Puerto Rico. Their honeymoon concluded with a heartwarming gesture of bringing a stray puppy back from Puerto Rico to comfort Millena's mother who had recently experienced the passing of her dear dog.
John and Millena’s first home in an apartment on Bay 17th Street in Brooklyn welcomed the birth of their son Gerard. Shortly after, they moved to a brand-new home at 39 Weinmanns Boulevard in Wayne, NJ. The move marked a significant change, offering a quieter, more country-like lifestyle compared to their life in Brooklyn. It also marked the further growth of their family as they welcomed their daughter Gineen and their son Gregory.
In times of leisure, John cultivated various hobbies, including coin and stamp collecting, as well as being an active member of the Radio Club of America. He found solace and joy in the tranquility of his beautiful flower gardens, often accompanied by his beloved dogs throughout the years, including Max, Wally, Gizmo, Bailey, Jeffrey, and presently Spencer, as well as his cherished cats, Spencer, Princess, and Bandit.
Above all else, John’s truest passion lay in his devotion to his faith in God and his family.
As a charter Parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church in Wayne, NJ, John dedicated himself to serving the church community for decades. His commitment was evident through his role as an usher from 1968 until just two months ago, where he continued to assist Sunday mass attendees, despite relying on a cane to usher them to their seats. He was also a devoted member of the Our Lady of the Valley Church’s Holy Name Society, participating in philanthropic activities such as feeding the homeless at Eva’s Village in Paterson. John's service even went beyond the church doors serving as a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus in Little Falls and as a member of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). His selflessness was also acknowledged by the American Cancer Society, for his volunteering efforts.
In addition to his love and devotion for his wife Millena, John was a loving father to his children, Gerard, Gineen, and Gregory. His legacy lives on through his three children, who at one point, all worked alongside him in his accounting business. He supported his son Gregory as a coach in his youth sports leagues and as an active fund raiser for his high school booster club. His grandchildren—Amara, Michael, Alexa, Jake, and Zack—held a special place in his heart, affectionately calling him “Papa-Moo” and having great times together, going on rides and creating great memories. Alongside his wife Millena, John played a vital role in raising his grandchildren, always offering unwavering support and love and being there for all their significant milestones and events. His dedication shone through in every aspect of his life, even extending to supporting his grandson's sports teams through his accounting firm's sponsorship.
John’s legacy is marked by his generosity, loyalty, hard work, and an unyielding love for his family and friends. His presence will be sorely missed, but the impact of his kindness and the memories he created will forever be treasured by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
John was the beloved husband of Millena, blessed in marriage for 62 years. He was the loving father of: Gerard Demetrius and wife Christine of Ledgewood, NJ, Gineen Serafin and husband Bill of Wayne, NJ, and Gregory Demetrius and wife Johanna of Wayne; and cherished grandfather of: Amara, Michael, Alexa, Jake, and Zack.
Those planning an expression of sympathy in John’s name are asked to consider:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Memorial Processing
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105-9959
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Attn: Office of Development
2900 Rocky Point Dr.
Tampa, FL 33607
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