John Zervos Obituary

We met John briefly at the Anson House property on Saturday, 02/27/2010. Such a gracious and nice young man. Just want you to know that all who loved him are in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless, Comfort and Keep you during this sad time.

Dear Zervos family, You are indeed in my thoughts and prayers at this tremendously difficult and sad time. I have been through a similar situation in the death of my brother, Harry, nearly 20 years ago. May God hold you closely, and He will, and may you find peace for the days ahead. Carolyn McCracken Davis (College Preparatory School, Class of 78)

Shortly before his death, Philip Hanvey, son of my father’s best friend Sam, taught me to ski, behind Daddy’s second-hand, wooden, leaking “Wild Child,” that we would “launch” from the “back beach” of Sullivans Island.

Philip, “Wild Child” and that “boat launch” are now long gone from this earth but they live like spirits in so many of us who knew them – mixed blue and white sky and water, musty gasoline aroma, the jolt of Philip hitting the throttle.

When I learned of Johnny’s death, I wondered the same thing that day Philip died: Why did the angel of death visit him? Too young. Too good. Too virtuous. Johnny and Philip, great Citadel and Christian men, and are spirits among us now. Johnny’s smile was the white of the clouds, the light of the day, the comment I made to my wife when she asked, “Did anything happen today?” His generosity was a deep well, his shoulder a soft pillow, his lively conversations always reassuring, whatever was one’s worries.

As Paul wrote to the Philippians:

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life -- in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Ph 2: 14 – 18.

To the Zervos Family,
Frances and I are extremely saddened by your loss and will remember you in our prayers. We have great memories of Johnny and the Charleston boys back in the carefree days of our youth. God Bless.

Johnny Zervos and the Zervos family have been etched in my memory since August 1976. As knobs in Alpha company we endured the rigors of our daily life. Johnny was uniquely Charleston and had a swagger about him. He was so much fun to be around. He befriended me and many others. We had many adventures together in his Whaler. Mirror lures and bluefish, billfishing with the Lackey Boys, jumping sub waves at the U2 Bouy, sailing, going AWOL, Sunday night at Edisto Motel & Resturant, Shad run, sweat partied, rack parties, his dad cooking Boston Butts on the PDQ and the back yard full of friends, Folly Beach at the Demo's beach house, his dog Rhett, his gracious family. I can go on and on because I have nothing but good memories of Johnny and his family. They were all so good to me and I will never forget them. Johnny was one of the finest people I have ever known and he will be greatly missed. I had just recently re-united with Johnny while on a trip to Beaufort. We didn't see each other, but spoke for some time. He sounded so good and we planned to get together on my next trip to Beaufort. To my regret my next trip didn't come soon enough. To the Zervos family, please know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you forever. May God bless you and give you strength.
Lawton Vincent
Alpha Company
Class of 80
Bowling Green, KY

Johnny,It was great to room with you my senior year your junior year.I remember when you were lost at sea and we were worried.The Citadel was so worried they gave you 40 tours.You and Gervais showed me Charleston only the locals saw and that is the reason I love the city today.You and your family made me feel as though I was a member.I can never repay you for how you treated me. The Zervos family my prayers are for you.

To all of the Zervos family, my family and myself are thinking of all of you.Johnny was a good friend and my times with him will always be of fond memories. Bobby Linker and the Linker family.

God bless you all.

Buddy, Class of 1956, and Margaret Puckhaber

My dear Linda; how very sad I am at your loss. I know the great feeling of grief you must be experiencing as Earl was 54 when he was struck down in the midst of life. I am praying God will comfort you and hold you and the children in the palm of His big Hands. With my deepest sympathy and Love, "Miss" Judy.

March 10
Dear Linda, your Children, & Elizabeth
Our Family-Eric & I and our two children have had you all in our prayers and thoughts.

As down in the sunless retreat of the ocean
Sweet flowers are springing no mortal can see.
(A few lines from one of my favorite poems)
God bless you all
Betsy Walker

My deepest sympathy and condolences to Linda, Mr. and Mrs. Zervos(Peter and Mary), Michael, Elizabeth and all of the Zervos family on this sad occasion. Sandy and I were out of town this past weekend, but our hearts go out to all of you. May God bless you all.

Peter,Mary and Johnny Zervos Family,

We are sincerely saddened to hear about your personal loss. May God have mercy and his memory be eternal.

Kstherine and Jim Wagy and Family
Alpharetta, Georgia

Linda, Peter, and Carolyn are thoughts and prayers are with during these difficult times. Please know that you can always count on the Gadsden and Cummings family.

Linda: My wife Elizabeth as well as my mother, Betty Ruth Crews join me in extending our most sincere sympathy to you and your children at this time. We have friends in our neighborhood here in Columbia who were at the Citadel who are just heart broken over the loss of Johnny. We are with you today in prayer. Sam Crews

Dear Linda, Chip and I want you to know that you and your children are in our thoughts and prayers. We don't see each other often, but we have cherished memories of the times we spent together on Thomas Street.

Sincerely,
Cathy Moore and Chip Chandler

Johny Greek and I had a long running competition to see who had the longest field cap (c... cap), cover from ear to ear and brow to nape. Made fun of Army Kill Class, had a windward time on the water. God's angels need a break, so He called Johny in, hard to lee! Bless you in your times of sorrow, but know that we will all be together on the other side.
Must see photo w/ Hank Strother!!!!

To the Zervos family,
My wife and I were shocked to learn of Johnny. While we are almost a generation older our paths crossed regularly and we always remember his quick smile, his gentlemanly manner, and his attention to detail as shown in his real estate projects. On a Sunday ten days before his passing we had the pleasure of spending an hour and a half with him as he proudly showed off his wonderful Anson House. It is at the top of our list of places to consider when we sell our home in downtown Charleston. Again our paths crossed at 2:30 on his last afternoon as he came out of his office. He seemed as wonderful and friendly as ever. If I had known what was to come I would have moved mountains to prevent it.
With deepest and heartfelt sympathy,
Priestley and Cynthia Coker

Dear Linda,
I was heartbroken to hear of your loss. Please know that you, your precious children, and the entire Zervos family have and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time.
Much love,

Mr. & Mrs. Zervos and family,

Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. I have wonderful, cherished memories of growing up with Kathy and being in your home during those years. Your family will always be special to me, and you have my deepest sympathy in the passing of Johnny. As my heart goes out to you, I pray that God will give you peace and comfort at this time and in the future.
Tom and Vickie (Brandt) Avant, Atlanta, GA

dear Zervos family,my deepest sympathy.Johnny was one of my favorite people.he did not know an enemy.I shall miss him.

dear zervos family,my deepest sympathy.one of my favorite people.He knew no enemies.I shall truly miss him.

Thinking of you during this most difficult time. Keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers.

I'm so sorry to hear of Johnny passing. This was devastating news all the way around. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

My Friends ...You are all in my thoughts and prayers...my heart goes out to all of you....So Sorry....Johnny Zemp CP Class of 1978.

Dear Linda and Family:

I have not had the pleasure of meeting you, but I did meet your lovely Mother when Johnny brought her by the office and asked if I would notarize her signature to transfer your Father's boat to Johnny. Johnny visited our office frequently and he was always so cheerful; always so friendly and took time to visit even when he was overwhelmed with business responsibilities. We will miss seeing him here at the office, as much as you and your family will miss being with him.

May God give you the strength you and the family need during this tragic time in your lives.

Sincerely,

D. Harris
LS3P ASSOCIATES LTD.

I knew John from my "real estate" days - He was always happy, smiling and so very kind to me every time I saw him - I am so incredibly sorry for your loss - My thoughts and prayers are most certainly with you and your family - Please keep your faith and may GOD bless all of you always and forever - Kathy R. Kleskie

My heart goes out to all of Johnny's family.From our days at College Prep to my visits home and running into Johnny he always had a smile on his face and nice things to say. He was just a great and generous guy. He will be in my prayers.

JOHNNY Z, Z MAN! You were so much fun to room with senior year @ El Cid. You gave me a lifelong yearning for The Lowcountry. Manus's, Dengates, Rast's, red rice, Cap Harry's, and The Edisto Motel Restaurant..... I got to meet some of your Charleston buds that came by our room senior year. Of course, the most fun was always giving you .... which you revelled in! The name of your dog-Charleston's Rhett Butler...Gimmeabreak. Man we all are going to miss you.
I wish i could have known you better over the last 30 yrs. but i typically only came to Charleston @ the 5yr reunion mark and, of
course you were always awol. i'm sorry we drifted apart.
I've been fortunate to meet alot of fine people in my life and i can truly say that none of them have influenced my memories any more than yourself. Your family is wonderful! They,ll do fine.
If anyone wants to help me set up some type of scholarship in honor of John Peter Zervous, please don't hesitate to call. Of course, the recipient needs to be a private- in rank, and PROUD of it!
Your friend,
Clay Wilson, M.D.
Augusta, Ga. 706-831-5363

JOHNNY Z, Z MAN! You were so much fun to room with senior year @ El Cid. You gave me a lifelong yearning for The Lowcountry. Manus's, Dengates, Rast's, red rice, Cap Harry's, and The Edisto Motel Restaurant..... I got to meet some of your Charleston buds that came by our room senior year. Of course, the most fun was always giving you .... which you revelled in! The name of your dog-Charleston's Rhett Butler...Gimmeabreak. Man we all are going to miss you.
I wish i could have known you better over the last 30 yrs. but i typically only came to Charleston @ the 5yr reunion mark and, of
course you were always awol. i'm sorry we drifted apart.
I've been fortunate to meet alot of fine people in my life and i can truly say that none of them have influenced my memories any more than yourself. Your family is wonderful! They,ll do fine.
If anyone wants to help me set up some type of scholarship in honor of John Peter Zervous, please don't hesitate to call. Of course, the recipient needs to be a private- in rank, and PROUD of it!
Your friend,
Clay Wilson, M.D.
Augusta, Ga. 706-831-5363

Dear Linda,

I was so sorry to hear about your loss and pray for you, Peter and Carolyn. You and your family will be in my thoughts during this difficult time.

Love,
Karen & Andy Thomas

Dear Linda,
I was so saddened to hear of Johnny's passing. The Reynolds' and Rivers' families will keep you in our prayers. The Lord WILL provide the strength you need in the coming days - just lean on Him. I love you and again, I am so sorry.

Linda,
Please know that you and your children are in my prayers. My advice to you is to take one second at a time, not one minute, hour or day. I will continually pray for God's strength and love to surround you and the children.
With love,
Jan Elizabeth Baughman Hunter

Johnny and I were freshmen together at The Citadel and remained close after I transferred to CofC. What a great sense of humor. He was always up for a role in a good prank or practical joke. Those of us lucky enough to have known him will never forget that grin.
My condolences to the entire Zervos family.

Johnny will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His zeal, many talents, sense of humor and deep respect for The Citadel come to mind. "A" Company lost one of our favorite personalities from the Class of 80'.
Pleas know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I have fond memories of Johnny from College Prep, and am very sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts are prayers are with the entire family.

Linda, We were so saddened to hear about Johnny. You and your children and your entire extended family are in our thoughts and prayers. With much love, Allison and LeGrand Elebash

Pete and Mary and the entire Zervos family--Freida and I were distressed to hear the news---you are in our thoughts and prayers----May you find strength through your family and God to continue----thinking of ya'll--Freida and Joe Sokol

With our deepest sympathies we will keep the entire Zervos family in our thoughts and prayers.

Linda...how we will miss Johnny and his twinkling eyes, his gracious spirit, and his sense of humor. Hunter, Linley and I are grieving for you, Peter and Carolyn. Hold strong...love, Anne Hunter and Kevin

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Zervos family.

LINDA,

MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE PART OF OUR FAMILY AND WE LOVE YOU DEARLY.

LOVE YOU,

MARY ANN WALSH

Dear Zervos family:
Peter and I send our sympathy to you and your family. We were deeply saddened to learn of Johnny's passing.
Peg and Peter Hairston

Dear Pete and Mary ,Please accept my sympathy and prayers John Lash The Citadel. 1956

Linda,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, John, and Carolyn. May God watch over you in this time of sadness.
Love,
Alex

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Sallie V. and Michael, our cousin Liz Forman, informed me of the departure of your brother-in-law/brother. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. "Life is fragile, handle it with care" is a timely motto. I attended your wedding and probably met John at that time. Time has a habit of getting away from us and relatives, who live a distance away, are not seen often and even though they are fondly remembered, they lose track of each other.
My condolences are with you all. Cousin Christine Peredney

Linda, You, Peter and Carolyn are in our prayers. We are so saddened to hear about Johnny. Please know that you are all in our thoughts. With deepest sympathies, John and Kay Harris

Dearest Elizabeth,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss. May each of you find Peace and Comfort in your loving memories of John and know that God will be ever present to help you through this most difficult time.
With Love and Deepest Sympathy,
Carla H. Lathbury

So sad to loose a life long close friend. So many people will miss a wonderful person and all he brought to life. God Bless Linda, Caroline, Peter and family. John C Scarborough

To Pete and Mary Zervos,

My Heart and Prayers are with you both.

Neil Sims
The Citadel, Class of 1956

To Linda and Children, and to Kathy Michael, Elizabeth, Mr Pete and Mrs Mary...

My heart goes out to each of you. Johnny was my friend and classmate. We were knobs together and we were Alpha Co. all the way through. I never think of Charleston that I dont think of Johnny with his boat and his great senior Private ways. Your family took me in as a freshman and I will never forget that. My dad Neil, was a classmate of Mr Pete's so our history was long and will never be forgotten. Johnny was through and through one of the best people I have ever met. I cherish every memory of him ..

Rep. Chuck Sims
The Citadel, Class of 1980

Linda, please know that you and all of the fanily are in our prayers. May God wrap His loving arms around all of you and give you the strength to
live through this terrible time.

With love and deepest sympathy,

David and Nancy Summers

I'll always have wonderful childhood memories of growing up w/ my cousin Johnny and his sister Kathy.We had alot of fun swimming,boating,making forts,and riding horses.My sympathy and prayers go out to his wife and children,Uncle Pete,Aunt Mary,Kathy,Michael,Elizabeth and all of his family and friends.
Love,Terri Gelegotis Bomar

Sallie Vee, Michael, Pete, Mary and all,

Please know that you are in our every thought and prayer. Greg and I are so sorry to hear about Johnny. We are sending our love...

Mr. and Mrs. Zervos, Linda, Peter, Carolyn, Kathy, Elizabeth, Michael and the immediate and extended Zervos family: The McAllisters in Columbia and Mount Carmel send their deepest condolences. I met John when we were in the same squad in Alpha Company our freshman year at The Citadel. Over the years our frendship grew and I will never forget Johnny's quick smile and willingness to help others in any situation. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers now and in the future.

Linda, You and your children are in Jeff and my prayers. John was a soul full of life. Robin and Jeff Earp

My deepsest sympathy ,John was a bright, friendly, smart , knowledgable wonderful gentleman, he was a true pleasure to work with, my prayers go out to all of his loved ones, God Bless you All, most sincerely

John was a wonderful friend and person to all that knew him. He will be missed by many, my prayers go out to the family.

Dear Linda,
Our hearts go out to you,Peter and Carolyn, and your entire family. I will always remember Johnny as such a gentleman. May God grant you peace in the shelter of His love.
Love,
Elizabeth, Jack, John, and Caroline

Know that our thoughts and prayers are with the family. John was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. May his memories give all of us comfort . JoAn McDaniel at McNair Law Firm

God Bless.