John William Toscas

John was born February 23, 1927 in Nauplion, Greece; he departed December 14, 2014. He arrived in Duluth, Minnesota at the age of 9. His dad was working on the railroad. John was always very proud of his dual citizenship. He graduated from Duluth Central, where he excelled in football, track and basketball. While attending Duluth Junior College, the Oregon Ducks offered him a full scholarship in football; he missed graduation by one semester when he was called into WWII by Navy. John started as a Seaman on the USS Catron; he quickly advanced to radio man and learned the Morse Code. He earned an accommodation when he radioed ahead to a large Navy Ship that an enemy suicide bomber was about to strike, he saved the ship. John was on the aircraft carrier USS Lexington when the war ended, he was part of the secret convoy that left Hawaii the day the Japanese surrendered. They went to Japan and provided air security. In civilian life, John met his wife of 60 years, Evelyn, in Duluth where they married and had 2 children. In 1959 they moved to Denver, Colorado where John and Evelyn joined the Greek community, as Greek Orthodox. John sold insurance for Prudential for 30 years. He was very active in the Greek raternal organization (AHEPA) and the Travelers rotective Association (TPA). During the 1980's, John and Evelyn were owners of the Windsor Gardens Restaurant and John served on the board for Windsor Gardens Condominiums over the years. John was and avid golfer and could hit a long ball, even into his later years. John is preceded in death by his mother, father and son William John Toscas. He is sruvived by his wife Eveleyn, daughter Katina (Kathy) and son-in-law George Atz and granddaughter Kelsie Atz and many nieces and nephews in Greece. John's ashes will be returned to his homeland in Nauplion, Greece. Services were not held. Donations to Hospice and/or St. Catherine's Greek Orthodox Church. Please share memories of John and condolences with his family by visiting the Guestbook link below.