NEW YORK, NY –
John Kallas, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Reformed Church Home in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
He was born on February 18, 1932, in Pigadia, Karpathos, Greece, to the late Peter and Calliope (Panagiotou) Kallas. In the early 1950s, he immigrated to the United States, first settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He later relocated to Edison, New Jersey, where he lived for many years before making his home in Parlin, New Jersey.
John Kallas honorably served his country in the United States Army from January 26, 1956, to June 11, 1958, attaining the rank of Specialist Third Class. A dedicated and hardworking entrepreneur, he was the proud owner and operator of the Parsonage Diner in Edison, New Jersey, for many years. He also owned and operated several other restaurants throughout New Jersey and Florida, as well as a hotel in Greece.
He was the co-founder and president of both Pan Gregorian Enterprises and Pan-Gregorian Charitable Foundation of New Jersey, a former Freemason, and a faithful parishioner of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway, New Jersey. John took great pride in his heritage, his work ethic, and his community involvement, including campaigning for Governor Michael Dukakis during his presidential run.
John was predeceased by his brother, Emanuel Kallas.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Evelyn Kallas; his sons, Peter Kallas and Nicolas Kallas and his wife, Maria; and his five cherished grandchildren, Yianni, Paris, Yianni, Vasilios, and Evangelos. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., officiated by the Very Reverend Nektarios Cottros. Burial will follow at Franklin Memorial Park Cemetery in North Brunswick, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John Kallas’s memory may be made to the Pan Gregorian Charitable Foundation, 629 Springfield Road, Second Floor, Kenilworth, NJ 07033.
May his memory be eternal!
