John T. Kiosses

GARDNER – John T. Kiosses, 90, of Gardner died peacefully Wednesday, July 17, 2019 in his residence, with his loving family at his side.

John was born in Gardner on April 9, 1929, son of the late Athanaseos J and Jennie T. (Apostolopoulos) Kiosses, two loving and very caring parents.  He graduated from Gardner High School with the class of 1947.  He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Fitchburg State College in 1951 and his Master’s Degree from Fitchburg State College on June 10, 1956.  He entered the United States Army during the Korean War and served from 1951 to 1953.

John began his teaching career in 1953, the day the Gardner Elementary-Junior High School opened.  He taught the fifth grade and then moved to the seventh and eighth grades teaching math and science.  Upon ten years in Gardner, he taught at the Winch Park Junior High School and Cameron Middle School in Framingham, commuting for 16 years.  He was the science department head during this time.  He then returned to the Elm Street School in Gardner for 12 more years of teaching the 4th, 5th and 6th grade classes.

During these years, he took many field trips with his students, usually on a Saturday so academic time was not missed.  He then did substitute teaching at Elm Street School for approximately ten years.

The years teaching were wonderful years in his life.  He would always say to the students “You are very unique. Always try your very best.  Aim for the moon, and if you miss at times, you are not a failure, for you are among the stars.”

For 20 years, he was involved with the Greater Gardner Association Disadvantaged Children summer program.  He and his very good friend, Ovila A. Breau managed the program.  The children were wonderful, as he continued sending Christmas cards until his death.  John loved to hike in the White Mountains Region.  At age 70 and up he walked the Boston Marathon many times and the New York Marathon once.  He also enjoyed fishing with great friends Warren Sinclair and Ambrose Marean, always trying to hook “the big one.”

His wife, H. Marilyn (Wickeri) Kiosses, died in 2004.  He leaves one daughter, Ellen C. Gosselin and her husband Craig, one very lovely granddaughter, Emma Jennie, and one wonderful grandson Benjamin.  He leaves a son, Thomas J. Kiosses and his wonderful wife Sharon.  He also leaves one sister Rebecca “Becky” Vouzikas, whose husband Alex died in 2017.  He leaves one caring brother, James T. Kiosses of Riverdale, NY and Gardner.  A very devoted family man, he so enjoyed his grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 11 A.M. in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 79 Cross Street, Gardner, MA.

Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Monday, July 22, 2019 from 5 to 8 P.M.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 79 Cross Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1319 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420.

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