Ioannis "John" Alexandris

Ioannis (John) Alexandris was born on January 3, 1938, in the small village of Vounihora, Greece. He grew up in the mountains around his village, working as a shepherd alongside his parents and siblings. He is preceded in death by his parents, Athanasios and Panagiota Alexandris, as well as his siblings Elias, Loukas, and Evangelia. John left Greece in 1966 and joined his brother in Detroit. On August 25, 1968, John met the love of his life, Vasiliki (Bessie) Spartinou; three days later, they were engaged, and they quickly married on September 14, 1968. They were blessed with over 57 years of life filled with love. John is the eternally loved father of Nancy (Alex) Phelps, Christina (Frank) Criscenti, and his eldest daughter, Pauline (David) Wolstencroft. John was the incredibly proud Papou of his five beautiful and beloved grandchildren: Vanessa Wolstencroft, Niko Criscenti, Gino Criscenti, Hannah Wolstencroft, and Lucas Wolstencroft. John looked forward to Vanessa’s calls and visits and was so proud of her buying her first house all on her own. John had a standing weekly visit with Niko, who he shared a birthday and special bond with, every Thursday – it was his favorite day since Niko was coming over. He loved that Niko would eat anything and everything Papou cooked for him. John knew Gino’s work schedule better than anyone and looked forward to hearing how Gino’s patrol shift went each time he worked - he loved to hear Gino’s police stories. John was incredibly proud of Hannah becoming a teacher to elementary school kids. John looked forward to hearing about Lucas’s travels – he never knew where Lucas would take off to on his next adventure. One of his favorite things was to share stories of his life growing up in Greece. He loved to cook for his family and loved when his children and grandchildren would come for visits. He loved the life he built with his wife; it was a beautiful 57-year adventure. He lived a good life; he was incredibly hardworking and was an outstanding husband, father, and grandfather. In addition to his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, John is survived by his brother, Alex Alexandris, his sisters-in-law Ageliki (George) Anastasopoulou and Vasiliki Alexandris along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends in Greece and the US. He was also preceded in death by his beloved cousins, Alex and Peter Alexander. John was lovingly cared for until the very end by his wife Bessie, his daughters Nancy and Christina, and his granddaughter, Vanessa. The family would like to thank Angela Hospice for the compassionate care provided to John, and donations in his memory can be made to Angela Hospice. May his memory be eternal, and may he rest in peace. Visitation will take place at the O’Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI, 48375 on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the Trisagion Prayers beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 36375 Joy Rd, Westland, MI 48185 from 9:30 a.m. until the Funeral Service begins at 10:30 a.m.

Ioannis "John" Alexandris

January 3, 1938 - February 28, 2026