John Vekris

John Nicholas Vekris, 76, of Palmetto, FL passed away on November 3rd, 2022. John was born in Hartford, CT on 11/6/1945. He was the son of the late Nicholas John Vekris, and his wife, Gladys Hewitt Vekris. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Eva LaSata.

He is survived by his daughter, Carissa Carter (Don) of Palmetto, FL, his son Nicholas (Boram) Vekris of Wilson, NC, sisters, Christina Vekris, and Irene (“Ireney”), both of New Britain, CT, his brother, Alfred “Sonny” Dreher of Rockville, CT, Sister, Nancy Lake of Manchester, CT. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Katilyn Carter and DJ Carter of Palmetto, FL and grandchildren, John Vekris, Johanna Vekris, nephews, Keith Vekris, James Vekris, Joe LaSata, Michael LaSata.

John was a Vietnam Veteran of the US Army who served with honor and distinction from 1966 – 1968. He was a fun-loving, outgoing and optimistic man who was known as “Johnny V” or “Slick Nick” when he was playing cards. He had many hobbies and was a man of laughter and generosity. He loved all kinds of chance games, such as bingo, lottery, and hitting up the casinos. He loved being near the beach and enjoying a cool summer breeze. One of his favorite pursuits in his later years was attending his granddaughter Kaitlyn’s basketball games and watching his grandson DJ skate.

John worked in the flooring industry for many years, and even taught nephew, Keith Vekris the trade. He was also an avid Yankees, Dolphins and UConn Huskies fan, and loved good food such as spaghetti & meatballs and pudding, but his sweet tooth extended to appreciate ice cream cookies and the like. He loved his pets too, he once had a cat he brought home as a kitten, Samantha, who lived to be 20 years old. His loved all his fur babies; Kinsley, Seneca Lake, Carly and Dusty, who now live with is daughter and her family. John had a special, loving and close relationship with his daughter, Carissa, of whom he was very proud of, for her education and unique accomplishments in her career. Carissa was an advocate for John in all ways, but especially with his medical care and his Veteran’s claims. He was also proud of his son Nick’s service in the US Army who served a tour in Iraq.

John was a bright, loving and sincere soul who enjoyed taking his children and nephews to fairs, amusement parks, the zoo, movies, arcades, and roller skating. He loved rock and roll music, playing sports such as baseball, football and basketball. He lost his father at the tender age of 8 so he always kept his sisters close in his heart and sought always to be there for them. He was a Christian, raised in the Episcopal faith and believed in the virtues of love and kindness.

He fondly remembered his childhood days in CT, and often recalled cherished memories of his friends John Cadoret, Teresa Smith, Cary “Beaky” Gilbert, Steven Drew, Buster Braeiwa, Danny & Richie Lawlor, Paul McBride, Jayne Kennedy & Gary Valliere.

He also spent much enjoyed time with his friends, Andrea and Gabe Anaya and their daughter, Genesis, with whom he would play barbies and have long, interesting conversations, as they were reminiscent of earlier days when his daughter Carissa did the same.

John spent the last 3 years of his life battling cancer, enduring radiation and chemotherapy, but he always kept a big smile and faced it bravely, with his daughter (Carissa) and her family always there by his side to support him and have the best quality of life. He managed to remain strong and brave until the very end, and never let it dampen his warm and generous spirit. A man who smiled often himself, lately, he enjoyed hearing “When I See you Smile” by Bad English, and “Brave” by Sara Bareilles– both of which personified his outlook.

Services for John will be held on November 23rd, 20222 at 10:30 AM ET, at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL, 24341. He will receive military honors.

To assist with John’s memorial expenses, please visit: https://gofund.me/5baf6e0c. ( To donate please copy and paste into personal web browser.)