Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

May 22, 2025

CHARLOTTE – Ioannis Konstantinos Bakogiannis also known as John Gus Bakos passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025.  He entered the world on August 1, 1936, in the mountain village of Mikro Chorio (now Paleo Mikro Chorio), Evrytania, Greece.  John was the eldest of five children born to Ourania (née Triantafilli) and Konstantinos Bakogiannis, both of whom preceded him in death.

As the oldest child, John shouldered responsibility early in life, especially following the tragic loss of his father, who was executed during the Greek Civil War after WWII.  Despite the hardships he endured, John often spoke fondly of his childhood—his speed as a runner, academic success, and mischievous spirit.  He’d recall sneaking his father’s hand-rolled cigarettes to share with friends behind the church at just six or seven years old.

The war brought darker memories.  John witnessed his father tied to the great “platanos” tree in Karpenisi the day before his execution—a trauma that followed him throughout life.  In later years, he found healing through writing, publishing Greek Tragedy, Greek Closure, a cathartic memoir that brought him great pride.

After the war, John moved to Thessaloniki to continue his education with relatives.  In 1949, at just 13, he immigrated to the United States, sponsored by a family in Wilmington, North Carolina.  Determined to make the most of his new beginning, John embraced America.  He graduated from New Hanover High School, earned a long-distance track scholarship to Wilmington College (now UNC-Wilmington), and later enlisted in the U.S. Army.  Serving honorably in the 82nd Airborne as a company clerk, he reached the rank of Specialist 4th Class before his discharge in 1958, the same year he became a proud U.S. citizen.

John continued in the Army Reserve through the mid-1960s while pursuing his education. He studied business at Central Piedmont Community College and UNC-Charlotte, earning an associate degree and securing licenses in real estate and insurance. He went on to build a successful business career grounded in grit, service, and integrity.

In his years before marriage, John worked tirelessly living at the YMCA, driving trucks, and holding jobs in grocery stores and restaurants.  Through it all, he remained devoted to his family, regularly sending money back to Greece to support his mother and younger siblings.

In 1959, John married the love of his life, Helen (née Vlahos), beginning a marriage that would span more than 65 years.  Their bond was filled with laughter, loyalty, and a spark that never faded.  Together, they were a joy to watch on the dance floor—moving effortlessly and playfully, often stealing the show at weddings and events.  John and Helen shared a true partnership and a zest for life that took them on countless road trips across the country and oversees.  Many years you would see John behind the wheel of one of his many beloved sports cars, driving Helen around town.  Whether they were cruising about, exploring a new place, or simply enjoying music and conversation at home, they embraced every moment together.  Their love story was one of deep affection, mutual respect, and shared adventure—a shining example of lifelong devotion.

John was a passionate and involved father to his two daughters, Katherine and Renee.  He was their cheerleader, guide, and constant presence.  A huge Tar Heel fan, John followed UNC football and basketball with unmatched enthusiasm, attending games whenever he could and proudly wearing Carolina blue.  One of his greatest joys was seeing both of his daughters graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—a legacy that deepened his love for the school.  He also loved the Carolina Panthers, golf, dancing, fast cars, lively conversation, and his cherished beach time at Surfside Beach, South Carolina—where ocean swims and long shoreline walks became treasured family traditions.

His adventurous spirit, love for travel, and dedication to exposing his family to the world remain part of his legacy.  He believed in the value of discovery and instilled that passion in his children and grandchildren.

A devout Orthodox Christian, John was an active and beloved member of both Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte, NC.  At Holy Trinity, he taught Sunday School to high school seniors for many years and danced in the original Greek dance troupe.  At St. Nektarios, he found deep spiritual connection and fellowship.  His favorite scripture, John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”; was a guiding light in his life.

John was also committed to preserving Greek heritage in America.  He was a proud, longtime member of AHEPA—the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association—where he served in leadership roles and supported causes tied to Hellenism, education, and philanthropy. He also actively participated in the Evrytanian Association of America "Velouchi", connecting with others from his native region and supporting cultural and charitable missions.

As an educator, John taught night classes in business, real estate, and insurance at CPCC and UNC-Charlotte, mentoring many on their career journeys.

Above all, John cherished his role as Pappou.  His six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren were the light of his life. He delighted in their laughter, their milestones, and their mere presence. He could soothe any baby to sleep and was endlessly proud of his growing family.

John is survived by his loving wife, Helen; daughters, Katherine Bakos Cestrone (Peter) and Urania “Renee” Bakos Keretses (Constantine “Deno”); grandchildren, Anthony Cestrone, Elena Keretses Burrus (Sam), Kristina Cestrone Trimnal (Dalton), Steven Keretses, Peter J. Cestrone, and Mary Katherine Cestrone; and great-grandchildren, Vaia Burrus and John Burrus. He is also survived by his siblings Maria Zaharis, Larry Bakos (Vickie), and Eve Lainis, along with many beloved nieces, nephews and godchildren.

He is reunited in eternal rest with his parents; sister, Rena Stelter; and brothers-in-law, Paul Zaharis, Horst Stelter, John Lainis, and Jimmie Pappas.

John Gus Bakos was a proud Greek, a proud American, and an even prouder husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.  His life is a testament to resilience, love, faith, and purpose.  He will be missed deeply and remembered always.

The family would like to thank all who cared for John during his last months, especially Via Health Partners, including the Veterans Affairs and the numerous caregivers who provided much needed assistance to John. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, 5108 Kuykendall Road, Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery with military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of John to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or via https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now.

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.