John E. Ninos – (91) – of 34 Hillcrest Dr., Alfred, NY, died unexpectedly early Monday morning, February 18, 2019, at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell NY.
John was born in the Village of Plaka, on the Island of Milos, Greece, on January 28, 1928. He was the son of Emanuel & Katherine Ninos.
John grew up in Greece and attended Plaka Public School. In 1947 at the age of 19, he along with his mother, moved to the United States to join his father and brother who had previously moved to America.
Although John had intended to continue his education, he began working with his father and brother Bill at their restaurant, “The Washington Restaurant,” in Bolivar, NY. In 1949 John married Angela Italiano. Later that year the entire family moved to Alfred, NY where John, along with his father and brother purchased the University Diner, aka “The Dog Cart.” In 1950 they purchased the Collegiate Restaurant. As a family, they operated both restaurants until the University Diner was destroyed by fire in 1953. John and Angie took full ownership of the Collegiate Restaurant operating until their “retirement” in 1996, when they sold the business to their son, John. He continued to stay active and lend a helping hand for many years.
John had a deep love of the Alfred community. One of his greatest pleasures was meeting and befriending the many people who came through Alfred. His smile and greetings at the Collegiate and throughout the community touched the lives of many.
He served two terms as president of the Alfred Lions Club. He was a member of the F&AM (Masons Lodge) #944 and served four terms as president of the Alfred Business Association. Both John and Angie received their Honorary Doctorate degrees from Alfred University on December 12, 1993. Their contributions to Alfred University were recognized by the Alumni Association in 1986 when they were named Honorary Alumni.
In his younger years, John enjoyed playing Tennis, Ping-Pong, & Racquetball with his friends. Throughout the years he also enjoyed fishing, woodworking & gardening. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family at his lake house on Grass Lake, in the Indian River Lakes region. John served as an officer on the Grass Lake Association.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Demetrius “James” Ninos, and William “Bill” Ninos.
John is survived by his wife of 69 years, the former Angela “Angie” Italiano. His proudest achievements are his four children, James (Karrie) Ninos of Alfred, Michael (Melissa) Ninos, of Murphys, CA, John (Chelly) Ninos, of Alfred, and Nikolas (Kera) Ninos, of Buffalo, NY and eight grandchildren; Jill (Bryan) Crandall, Johnny (Ashleigh) Ninos, Kolby (Kristen) Ninos, Trevor Ninos, Jody (Chuck) soon to be Skipper, Austin Williford, Ari Ninos, and Niko Ninos. Also, five great-grandchildren and several nieces & nephews.
The family of John E. Ninos will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 1:00 PM at St. Jude Parish Church, Lower College Drive, (SUNY Alfred Campus), Alfred, NY.
John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Alfred Lions Club, PO 1191, Alfred, NY 14802 Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
We have never met a finer man then John and are extremely honored to be part of his Grass Lake family. We will miss him dearly and our prayers go out to his entire family. God bless and keep him.
richappleba@gmail.com
We are extremely saddened to hear of John’s passing. He will be remembered as someone who always made you feel welcome and the center of conversation. Grass Lake was always a happier place when John and Angie were at camp.
Our thoughts are with John’s wonderful family at this difficult time.
We consider a man like John (and his family) that come in our lives a blessing from GOD. We will feel the pain as we live on without him but we rejoice and smile when we think of how grateful we are to have known such a wonderful person.
To you John, a moment on Grass Lake this spring to reflect on great memories.
We pray to our Lord that he comforts the family and John’s friends during this time.
In Gods Love…
What a tremendous legacy, to be known as a kind, compassionate, giving and loving person. St. Francis said go forth and preach the Gospel, use words if necessary.
What a living example of a man who lived, loved life as we all should. If we could all just follow his example just a little bit, what a wonderful world it would be. Rest in Peace Mr. Ninos you will be missed and always loved.
Shawn D. and Holly “Horton” Hogan
Sincere condolences to the Ninos family in this time of sorrow. As Greeks of the ASC campus many years ago, “Uncle John” was a person and businessman students from both campuses looked up to and could talk to. He will be greatly missed.
Kappa Sigma Epsilon 1968
Alpha Beta Chi 1967
John’s big smile, and Angie’s, always made us feel so much better! day after day!
Nobody could be better. We loved him.
We thought of him when we visited Greece and of Angie when we visited Calabria.
from Susan, Paul, Mike (who worked at the Collegiate many years ago), and Amy Strong
john and Angie ninos.were the heart and soul of college life in the 1960s and beyond….they were hard working people that always had a smile on their face…they graciously put up with many a college student that had too much to drink on a Friday night at the beacon….the collegiate was the place for coffee to sober up a little…..we all loved you john and angie…..our lives were made richer by knowing you ….until we meet again …..we send our eternal love….
What a loss for all of us………John will long be remembered for so many wonderful acts of kindness and for always do so with a smile and love in his heart.
As a fellow businessman in Alfred for 35 years plus, if ever we needed a hand or a new idea about “downtown” or the ABA, John was at the ready. He truly left his mark of “love for his community” on Alfred and the area.
RIP my friend. You “done good” here on earth!!!
An icon indeed “………..John was a timeless icon on tha Alfred campus. His energy was an example for all students to emulate.
My heartfelt condolences to Angie and the rest of the family. I have many fond memories of John throughout my life. What a loss for the entire Alfred community; it’s a better place because of John’s presence.
I am so sorry for your loss. John was always so wonderful to see around town, whether he was in the Collegiate, chatting up clients in the hair salon, or just walking around town. I will miss him. My condolences to the Ninos family and the many friends and alumni for whom John Ninos is synonymous with “Alfred, NY.”
So sorry to hear Jim and Karrie and all the Ninos family. Prayers for all.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends. May you find comfort in your memories together and in God and his word the Bible. He promises to comfort us and give us the strength we need. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4/Philippians 4:7)