ARLINGTON: John Mandis, a longtime resident of Arlington, passed away on February 4, 2026,
at the age of 95. He was the loving father of daughter Lisa (Mandis) Guimond of Stow,
grandfather to granddaughter Ella and brother to two sisters, Barbara Paris of Wakefield, the
late Pauline Matthew of Lexington, and brother, the late George Mandis of Portsmouth, RI.
John was the son of the late Peter and Anna (Caperonis) Mandis. He grew up with his siblings in
Arlington. He was a Veteran of the US Navy and a graduate from UMASS Amherst. He began his
career in New York City working as a Software Developer at the New York Stock Exchange, then
moved to Massachusetts where he worked at State Street Bank for over 30 years. A true
entrepreneur, John also opened and successfully ran The Skewers Greek Restaurant in
Cambridge, MA, and Tilton 500 Go-Kart Track in Tilton, NH. After retiring, his creativity led him
to watercolor painting. He loved capturing special moments on camera and recreating them
through his paintings. This brought him much fulfillment, particularly when he could share his
paintings with his granddaughter.
John had a deep appreciation for life, greeting each day with optimism and excitement for all
that was possible. His loving devotion to caring for his family and ensuring their happiness was
the foundation of his life. His happiest moments were spending time with his loved ones,
supporting their milestones and engaging in lively discussion. A natural leader, John taught by
example how to live selflessly and with a light heart – always finding the good and celebrating
the uniqueness in people. He loved the holidays and would often be found in the kitchen
making his signature spanakopita while singing along to traditional Greek music. John was
guided by his faith and relationship with God. He was proud of his Greek heritage, lived his life
with great courage, and will be greatly missed.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday February 12
th at 12:30pm at St. Nicholas Greek
Orthodox Church at 17 Meriam Street in Lexington. Visitation immediately prior to the Mass at
the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington from 10am to 12pm. Relatives and
friends are kindly invited.
Private interment at Westview Cemetery, Lexington.