John Scouffas
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John Scouffas, 88, passed away on November 1, 2012, at Pioneer Ridge Healthcare Center in Lawrence, KS. John was the son of Telemachos and Melpomene Scouffas. He was born in Hartford, CT on February 25, 1924,and grew up in Manchester, NH.
In April, 1943, John enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Medical Corps in Saint-Lo, France and was part of the Normandy Invasion. An accomplished singer, he also served as a performer for the troops while he served in Europe. Just prior to being shipped overseas he married Eva Belle Karva in a chapel in Mineral Wells, TX, on December 25, 1943.
When the war ended John returned to his wife and son, John, in Urbana, IL.He entered the University of Illinois on the GI Billwhere he studied music.As a student he also helped start the Opera Workshop in the School of Music. After working a number of years on the east coast in music and publishing, Johnreturned to Urbana to take a position at the University of Illinois where he later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.
John worked in various positions at the University of Illinois including Assistant Dean of Students and ended his career at the University as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Executive Director of Student Discipline. He had a significant roll in maintaining order on campus during growing student unrest during the 1960s.
Involved in programs that addressed the growing student drug addiction problems during the 70s, John also helped establish Gemini House, a drug treatment program in Champaign-Urbana.
After retiring in May of 1988,he and his wife, Eva,had time to travel to Greece several times and throughout the United States. John loved music, camping, fly-fishing, travel and spending good times with friends and family.
John was preceded in death by his son Timothy, brother George Scouffas, sister Anthea Scouffas Fottler, granddaughter Mary, and great-grandson Alexander. He leaves his loving wife, Eva Belle Scouffas of Lawrence, KS; son John Richard (Mary Ellen) Scouffas of Palo Alto, CA; son Nicholas (Sherry) Scouffas of Oak Park, IL; son David Scouffas, Hayward, CA; daughter Anthea Scouffas (Sharon Graham), Lawrence, KS; and grandchildren Rick (Debbie) Scouffas of Tiburon, CA; Heather (Shawn) Maylen, Santa Clara, CA; Nick (Michelle) Scouffas, Brookfield, IL; and Beth (Brad) Mann of Western Springs, IL. He is also survived by four great- grandchildren.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at 5 p.m. on November 19 at the Krannert Center on the University of Illinois campus.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to a charity of your choice or to the National Alzheimer’s Association.
We’ll miss you, Dad
Pop, we know you are with those we have all loved that preceded you. Your passion, you singing, your smile and true love of life will be greatly missed.
Love you.
Our condolences to all the members of the Scouffas family on the passing of their beloved husband,father and grandfather.
Tony and Rita Feola
Grandpa, You were an amazing and special influence in my life, one that I am extremely grateful to have had. Camping at Dead Swede, picking muscles from the Maine coast, your laugh, and that finger of yours that always pointed up in the air when you were making some important point. We will all miss you dearly but we are happy that you are at peace. Love you!!
Nobody could fill a room like John when he entered it. I will miss his spirit and I can still hear his beautiful voice at David’s wedding. RIP Big John
I loved the way his eyes lit up with mischief (which was often) and raw intelligence. He loved his family without reservation, including his extended family. His voice was amazing…I still remember him singing at J.R. and M.E.’s wedding. He was much loved and will be missed.
A good friend, an even better story teller, and the life of every party he ever attended. We will always remember that smiling face. Our love and condolences to the whole family.
Eva Belle and family…..
I was so sorry to read of John’s passing. You were such good neighbors years ago, and I remember sharing many cups of coffee and stories about our kids! Mitch sends his condolences as well.
Sincere sympathy to all of you…..
Judi Kutzko
I had my first assistantship with John in 1967 in the Dean’s office. In 1983, John handed me my doctoral degree. He was always a stellar friend and where he tred, left a clear but gentle imprint. One of the genuine good guys.