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IOANNIS (John) DAMIANAKOS
Date of Passing: Oct 25, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryIOANNIS (John) DAMIANAKOS
With profound sadness, the family announces that John passed away unexpectedly, at the age of 87 years, on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
The family is comforted by the beautiful memories and the legacy that John leaves behind through the love of his life, Eleni; and his children Spiro (Paraskevi), Harry and Peggy (Peter); and his treasured grandchildren, Yanni and Eleni, Gregoria, Eleni, Yianni and Zoe.
The family is eternally grateful and honored to have shared their lives with John who will always be remembered for his faith in the Greek Orthodox Church, his unconditional love for his family and his commitment to honesty and hard work.
Forever our hero – we love you Dad.
Prayers will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church on 2255 Grant Avenue.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2025
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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My deepest Condolences to the Damianakos family May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal. - Posted by: George Goritsas (Family friend) on: Nov 21, 2025
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My deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband and father he was a wonderful man and a remarkable friend and his legacy will always be remembered. I'm so sorry for your loss My heart goes out to you and your family. - Posted by: Marios (Friend) on: Nov 11, 2025
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We're so sorry to hear about John's passing. We'll always remember with gratitude how John and his entire family were so kind and considerate to three generations of our family. - Posted by: Greg & Lorraine Giles (Friends) on: Nov 09, 2025
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We remember the times we stopped at JH for their super breakfast, always a treat when we visited Winnipeg, we both remember Johns huge smile under the large mustachio,when we came through the door. Our deepest sympathy to his extended family. Garry and Jeanette - Posted by: Garry and Jeanette Henderson (Friend and customer) on: Nov 09, 2025
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Our deepest sympathy to the Damianakos family Our thoughts and prayers are with you all - Posted by: Steve & Wendy Mestrovic (Friends) on: Nov 08, 2025
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So sorry for the loss of your loved one. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Konstantopoulos Family (Friends) on: Nov 07, 2025
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To Hellen, Spiro, Harry, and Peggy. My deepest condolences… Words sometimes really just don’t suffice… I still have many fond memories of you all even though it was many years ago I’ve never forgotten the “snake belly sandwiches” or the “orange crush” soda I liked, or playing with all the table ornaments. John (your dad) especially always went out of his way to make me feel welcome because I was a bit of a shy kid You were all incredibly kind to me when I was little and my heart goes out to you all in this time of loss. Again my sincerest condolences. Wes Poneira (Rick’s kid lol) - Posted by: Wes (Friend) on: Nov 07, 2025
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My condolences to the family on the loss of a wonderful man. With family and friends, I enjoyed many visits to J&H Restaurant. John had a gift from God to provide hospitality and always made us feel welcome. Thanks for so many fond memories, and delicious All Day Specials. - Posted by: Rob Duncan (Friend) on: Nov 07, 2025
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Theia, Spero, Harry, Peggy, and family. I'm so truly sorry for Uncle John's passing. He was a wonderful man. I'll remember fondly our get togethers growing up, and our breakfasts at J&H on Sundays after church. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. ❤️ - Posted by: Angela Damianakos (Family) on: Nov 07, 2025
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My husband and I would frequent the restaurant. John and his family were so welcoming. We were sad when restaurant closed. We thought of John and family often. Sorry to hear of your loss. Great legacy he has left. - Posted by: Wendy Grusko (Patron of restaurant) on: Nov 06, 2025
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Deepest sympathy, sorry to hear about your dad. - Posted by: Kathy Norris and Norris family (Family friend.) on: Nov 05, 2025
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I have known John and Family for over 40 years, mostly as patron of their St. James institution -the J&H Restaurant. But, our families grow close. John was a simple man, meaning he was focused on what really counts-commitment to Family, his marriage, his family business, the community, his faith and the Jets. He was a fierce man in all he did- but always with humility and gentleness. Generosity of the heart and generosity of the spirit was always extended to everyone he met- the guy was just 100% genuine-all traits passed on to his children. - Posted by: Scott Feasey (Family Friend) on: Nov 05, 2025
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We were greatly saddened to learn of John's passing. I have known the Damianakos family for more than 40 years. As a young Constable I attended their Restaurant back in the early 80's responding to a small fire. We became instant friends and remained so ever since. Spiro and I became very close and we hunted together and much of my time was spent at the J & H Restaurant which became our favourite place to visit John was always excited to hunt deer and I still recall our hunting trip to Souris with Spiro, Harry, John and I. The J & H was also the number one Restaurant for us at the Police station to go and have John and Helen's famous Bacon and Eggs during our day shift. John was always happy to see us and enjoy a coffee together. John was a very dedicated husband to Helen and father to Spiro, Harry and Peggy. He will be greatly missed by all, but not forgotten. Colleen and I have The Damianakos family in our hearts and thoughts. Rick & Colleen - Posted by: Rick & Colleen Poneira (Friends) on: Nov 03, 2025
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My most sincere condolences to Peggy, Peter and all the entire extended family. May your memories be of comfort through this challenging time. - Posted by: Jack Joseph Kovnats (friend of Peggy & Peter) on: Nov 03, 2025
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It was a privilege to know John and his family. He was always kind to our family and will be missed by all who knew him. God bless - Posted by: Gord & Cathie Swaile (Friends) on: Nov 02, 2025
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It’s a very sad day to hear about a great man passing My thoughts and prayers are with you on this truly sad day - Posted by: Jenny Vlahakos (Family) on: Nov 02, 2025
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We met the Damianakos family when we moved onto their street and became neighbours. We have attended to our neighbours summer bbq’s and John was always present, happy and cheerful. He had a big smile and very happy and cheerful to catch up. I also have fond memories of John at J&H, the best food in the city hands down. John and Helen were always behind the grill, and their sons serving. Once again John was always cheerful and happy to see you. We have the whole Damianakos in our thoughts and prayers. Greg and Toby - Posted by: Greg and Toby (Friends) on: Nov 01, 2025
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One of the nicest people I have ever met. He would make everyone feel tremendously welcome at his restaurant. Condolences to his family..... he was truly a gentleman. - Posted by: Glen Spryszak (Acquaintance) on: Nov 01, 2025
