Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

January 28, 2022

CHARLOTTE – John Demosthenes Malatras passed away on Friday, January 28th, 2022.   He is now rejoined with his lovely daughter, Toni Elizabeth who predeceased him. 

John was born and raised in Washington D.C.  He loved his Greek Orthodox faith and was an altar boy at Saints Constantine and Helen through the 1940s.  John had the great opportunity to serve as an altar boy and be blessed by Athenagoras, the late Archbishop and Patriarch of Constantinople.  John served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.  He came to Charlotte in 1970 with his family and joined Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  John served many years on the Parish Council, five of which were as president.  He also co-chaired the Yiasou Greek Festival for more than twelve years.  John was recognized for his outstanding service to the church by becoming an Archon of the order of Saint Andrew the Apostle by Archbishop Spyridon and Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.  This is the highest honor a lay person can receive in the Orthodox Church.

John was a kind and loving man that will be dearly missed.

John is survived by his lovely and gracious wife of sixty-five years, Lucille Helen;  his son, Mark Demosthenes Malatras and his wife, Christine;  grandchildren, John Demosthenes Malatras and Katherine Elizabeth Malatras.  He is also survived by his sister, Lula Strachan and many nephews and nieces.  John was predeceased by his parents, Demosthenes A. and Malamo Malatras; sisters, Alexandra Thornberg, Louise Kokenes, Amalia Collier; brother, Ted Malatras and brother-in-law, Steve Kokenes.

Funeral Services for John will be 1:00 PM on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Charlotte with Rev. Dr. Jonathan Resmini officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.  At the request of the family all those in attendance are asked to please wear a mask.  The service will also be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/165729/457c79a80e for those unable to attend in person. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of John to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Attn: Foundation or Main Altar Restoration Fund, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

May His Memory Be Eternal.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.