Obituary: John Koukos, 63, Of Cheshire

From Porto Funeral Homes

CHESHIRE, CT — John Koukos, 63, of Cheshire, beloved husband of Janine Loder Koukos, passed away on December 5, 2025 at his home surrounded by those who loved him most. Loving father of Theodore “T.J.” (Gina) and Alexandria “Lexi” (Steven Rogers) Koukos all of Cheshire.

John was born in Thessaloniki, Greece on October 6, 1962 son of the late Theodore and Marietta Gounaropoulos Koukos, whose love and values stayed with him always. Brother of Christina Koukos of West Haven.

At the time of his death, John worked for Aspen Dental as a lab manager.

John was a devoted husband, loving father and the heart of his family. His warmth, humor and gentle presence will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. John came to the United States at 7 years old, bringing with him the traditions and spirit of his homeland. He grew up with a strong sense of family and loyalty, traits that shaped who he was for the rest of his life.

John graduated from Eli Whitney Technical School with distinguished honors, where he discovered his passion for dentistry. After graduating from the dental program, he went on to work for the family business, Centric Dental Lab, where he had the honor of working side by side with his father. Their partnership was built on trust, skill and a deep family bond, something John treasured throughout his life.

John built a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Janine, creating a home filled with love, laughter and the kind of everyday moments that become priceless memories. His children, Theodore “T.J.” (Gina) and Alexandria “Lexi” (Steven Rogers) Koukos, were the center of his world. To John, being their father was his greatest joy, and he was endlessly proud of the people they became. He also adored his grandpup, Winston, who brought him comfort, companionship and countless smiles.

John had a way of making people feel comfortable and cared for. He loved the simple joys of life, talking about cars, cheering (and sometimes suffering) alongside the New York Jets, celebrating victories with the New York Yankees and spending time by the ocean, a place where he felt peaceful and free. He enjoyed sharing stories from his childhood, moments that shaped him and connected him to his roots. Those closest to him will remember his kindness, his quiet strength and the way he could make you laugh without even trying. He was the one you could depend on, the one who showed up, the one whose love was steady and unconditional.

John leaves behind a lifetime of memories; and his spirit will live on in his family, in the stories shared and in the love he gave so freely. May his memory be eternal.

Family and friends are invited to a parlor service in the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven SATURDAY afternoon, December 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be private. Family and friends may call on SATURDAY from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the MDS Foundation at www.mds-foundation.org. Sign John's guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.