John George Klonizos
March 8, 1937 - August 20, 2020
John George Klonizos passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2020. He was born in Bingham, Utah on March 8, 1937 to George and Elsie Sergakis Klonizos.
He later lived in Rock Springs, Wyoming where he graduated from high school. He went on to college in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He then served in the army. He came back to Rock Springs and worked for Frontier Airlines. He met Rita Katsanevas and moved to Salt Lake City where they were married on February 18, 1962. He then transferred to Frontier Airlines in Salt Lake. After 21 years, John left Frontier Airlines to open Crown Burger in West Valley City. He successfully ran the business with his wife and two sons. John was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and a Member of Cretan Minos Club of SLC. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his sons. He also enjoyed going on motorcycle trips and he was a member of the SLC Motorcycle Club.
He is preceded in death by his mother, father and step-father William Manatos; brothers Mike and Bill; sister Evelyn and his son George. Survived by wife, Rita; son Nick (Jennifer); grandchildren Rita Nicole and John; siblings Idele Pryich and Joe (Mary) Manatos of Rock Springs, WY; and many nieces and nephews.
A viewing and life celebration will be held on Sunday, August 23rd from 6:00 until 8:00pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Please park on the north side of the building. In order to follow state guidelines and safe social distancing practices, the Trisagion will be held for family. Those wishing to attend the viewing are requested to phone the funeral home between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm 801-474-9119 to make a reservation. The courtesy of wearing a face covering is requested. The Funeral will be held on Monday, August 24th at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 279 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Check back soon to view tribute slideshow.
In Loving Memory
Deepest Condolences for your loss. He will be missed.
Tony Thimakis
Salt Lake City, Ut
I love John. He's a good man, and good father, good neighbor and friend. He was a good influence in my youth and I highly respected him.
ORDELLE KEMP
SANDY, UT
As a member of West Valley City Fire Department for 28 years, I just wanted to let you know how much gratitude we had for John and Rita over the years. They have also been so very gracious to us in other circumstances as well. John will be deeply missed by the fire department, active and retired. RIP John. You will be missed.
Jeff "Bear" Birrenkott
Saratoga Springs,, Ut
Dear Rita and Nick my deepest heartfelt condolences and love go out to you and your family with the loss of John I will keep you in my prayers always the entire Greek community has lost a great man My love to all Tony Glezos
Tony glezos
Fielding, UT
George and I wish to extend our condolences to your family. I cannot begin to express how many times and memories we have of John and the family. After almost 60 years,and them being our koumbare, we will miss him. May God bless and ease your pain, and may John's memory be eternal. We love you.
Kathy Kartsonis
Riverview, FL
May your many fond memories turn tears to laughter and help ease your broken hearts. We are truly sorry for your great loss. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal"~ Jim and Michelle Jeffries
James and Michelle Jeffries
West Valley City, UT
Johnny and I were good friends in our early days in Bingham. We corresponded for a while after the move to Wyoming. If I had known he was at Crown Burger in West Valley, I would have stopped to say hello. So, I really enjoyed the slide show. Sincere condolences to the family.
Lexie Stewart Pollick
Salt Lake, Ut
When I was a young boy I loved being outdoors and the mountain. My family not so much. Uncle Johnny took me fishing with his family many times. He taught me how to fish. I passed this along to my sons and grandchildren. Thank You. Michael
michael klonizos
wallsburg, ut
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of John our deepest condolences to the Klonizos and Katsanevas family may he rest in peace
Rich Valdez
Bountiful, Ut
My condolences to the Klonizos family and loved ones. He made a great impact in WVC. He will be missed.
P. Lozano
WVC, UT
Rita, Nick and family, Mike and I and our family were so saddened to hear of John’s passing. We have enjoyed your friendship and being neighbors with you for 50+ years and have many fun and great memories! We miss seeing and wavering at You and John on your way to and from Crown Burger and miss having you as our neighbor. The tribute to John and all the pictures on the video are great!! Thank you for your friendship over the years. You all are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. God Bless������ Mike and Sharon Westberg
Sharon Westberg
West Valley, Ut