of Little Rock, AR

November 1, 1925 - September 28, 2019

Dr. John Verdaris was born in Tinos, Greece on November 1st, 1925. As a child, he survived many hardships under Nazi occupation during World War II. As a young man, he served courageously as an officer of the Greek Army in frontline combat against Communist insurgents during the Greek Civil War. He was a brilliant scientist, and came to the United States in the 1960's to pursue a Ph.D., and ended up planting deep and abiding roots in his beloved new home in America. He met and married Marlene Roy on September 3rd, 1967, started a family and ultimately became a very well-respected Director of Clinical Research for an international pharmaceutical company. Above all, he was first and foremost a man of deep faith and a tireless servant of the Orthodox Church. He embraced every imaginable task great or small within a parish, serving in a variety of offices on Parish Councils including Vice-President and President for decades, and labored for more than two decades as a chantor, singing the ancient hymns of the Church during services. He always made it a priority to serve the Church and faithfully support his brothers and sisters in Christ. His other great passion in life was preparing traditional Greek dishes, and enjoying his grandchildren around his table. Ultimately, his entire life was defined by his great love for his family, his deep Christian faith, and a tireless commitment to serve.

Dr. John was a great blessing to many, and he ran the race to the best of his ability always, and in all ways. Those who loved and knew him mourn his passing, but are comforted in the certain knowledge that this beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend is refreshed, renewed and lives on in the Risen Christ.

Dr. Verdaris is survived by his wife, Marlene Verdaris; son, Rev. Dr. Nicholas Verdaris (Maria) of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church; three grandchildren, Katherine, Stephanie, and John Verdaris as well as a niece, Irene Poulopoulos.

In accordance with his wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the ''Annunciation Altar Fund''.

The Visitation for Dr. John Verdaris will take place on Wednesday, October 2nd at the Roller-Chenal Funeral Home (13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211) at 6:00pm, and the Thrice Holy Prayers will begin at 6:30pm. The Funeral service will take place on Thursday, October 3rd at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (1100 Napa Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72211) at 11:00am.

''May his memory be eternal!''

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