John-Paul Vassilopoulos was born on the north side of Chicago on August 1, 1951, but not registered until the 2nd, which I think set the pace for his life.  He was proudly kicked out of his high school for holding the record for the most tardies ever.  He led a wild life, making up his own rules as he went along, spontaneous, and always full of adventures whether it be living on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation for a few months on his way to Alaska, following his Hippie dreams to San Francisco, seeing all lower 48 states, picking apples in Washington state, framing houses in the deserts of California, scuba diving the Florida Keys, riding motorcycles, or sailing the Virgin Islands, he never settled for less than he wanted.  He was a unique and independent individual who marched to the beat of his own bold drum, fiercely proud of his family, who he was, and what he accomplished.

He graduated with a bachelor's of fine arts from the Art Institute of Chicago and went on to open his own graphic design studios in Marin County, California and then continued on to be a creative director for an advertising firm on New York's Madison Avenue.  He showcased his creative abilities and talents through billboards, album covers, government contracts, posters, etc.  New York City was where he met his wife, Isa Pacanowski Vassilopoulos.  He saw her standing with a friend across the lobby of the YMCA.  He took her out on a 4th of July date, where he convinced her he had the Empire State Building lit up especially for her.  They married in Chicago on November 13, 1984.  After many adventures between New York, Chicago, and Rio de Janiero, Brazil they settled on Pasadena after their baby girl, Tatianna Vassilopoulos, was born on April 19, 1986.

Life led them to South Florida where he worked in finance for American Express before retiring in 2010.  Even in retirement he never slowed down.  He took up precision driving and drove and acted in more than a dozen movies and tv shows.  He took time to travel and be with his loved ones.  He loved driving his blue BMW 650i convertible and riding his sexy 250cc Aprilia scooter.  He took pride in his work and through many renovations turned his house into a home.

No one could have predicted that esophageal cancer would cut short his fantastic life after a yearlong battle.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Constantine Vassilopoulos and Mary Stoyas Vassilopoulos, the aunt who raised him Thea Eleni Vassilopoulos, and countless other beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He leaves behind his loving wife Isa, daughter Tatianna, Gildete Sales, various furry family members, 2 older brothers Chris Vassilopoulos and Harry Vassilopoulos, 2 younger sisters Denise Vassilopoulos and Maria Vassilopoulos Bursak, and numerous excellent friends.

He will be remembered by his smile, his laugh, and his perpetual suntan. He will be dearly missed by all his many friends and family, and his memory will live on forever.