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Growing up, I had 3 major circles of friends: School friends, sports friends, and Greek friends. Tsik was all three. We grew up in each other’s homes. Our parents were close friends. We had summer jobs together. We even formed a hacked up rock band called ‘The Pack’ with Harry Poulos, Mike Mechak, and John Collis (a mutual Greek friend who went to Whitman).
Tsik was an exceptional athlete despite joint/ligament issues, primarily with his fingers and thumbs. Several times in the huddle, he would have me pull his fingers back into joint while I simultaneously called plays. At the line of scrimmage, we had a two man audible system where we talked ‘in tongue’. Our senior year, I convinced him to come out for wrestling and he finished 2nd place at the county tournament – much better than I ever did.
We worshiped together. At church, we were active together in the GOYA (Greek Org of Young Americans). We served together as altar boys.
Like many of us, Tsik and I lost contact for many years but as element of what was the magic of the 40th Reunion, we reconnected like we had never been apart. I had contact with him since the reunion and was well aware of his health issues (serious heart troubles). Still his passing was a shocking and very saddening event.
πηγαίνετε εν την ειρήνη, ο αδελφός μου
submitted by John Nicholson
More info here and here
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John (Jack) Trunnell
Due to our alphabetical names, "Chick" and I shared home room and stood together in many, many gym class and other lines during our years at Hoover and Churchill. He was a good friend and teammate who always cracked me up with his playful sense of humor, yet he was an intense, focused and gifted athlete. I also lost touch with him over the years, but am grateful for a special reconnection at our 40th reunion. I'm sad that John, another 70's class good guy has passed.
Stephen Schoenly
towards the dance floor. Steve SchoenlyChick, was a wonderful friend and athlete. His sense of humor was always appreciated in the most trying of times. As my main focus was always sports, shyness kept me away from those ladies that i was interested in. In those days, i lacked the social skills, but Chick pushed me towards it. It wasn't until years later that i realized what he was pushing ne to. Although i've not thought of those times in many years, Chick's passing pushed me
Richard Apolenis
What can you say, John was one of those guys you would never forget. His sense of humor always kept you laughing no matter what mood you were in. He was just a real nice person. I too lost touch with him over the years but reconnected at the reunion. We were both in the water business so having that in common allowed us to keep in touch over the last few years. I knew of John's heart problems but I thought they were under control. I would talk to his younger sister Elaine each time I went to the Dentist's office since she worked there. I would always ask about John and she would fill me in on his adventures in Florida. He will be missed. Our prayers go out to the rest of the family who are going through this tragic time. May you rest in peace John.
Harry Poulos
I was shocked and saddened by the loss of a good friend, J.T. We went to the same Church, hung out together in the 70's and became close to his family. It was great to see him at the 40th reunion in 2010. Little did I know that would be the last time I would ever see him again. Very sad. I will never forget you man! Rest In Peace brother.
Teddy (Georgia) Petsche (Hedrick)
So sad to learn of Chick's passing. He scared me when I first met him, turned out he was a "gentle soul".
Does anyone have any idea if there will be a service in our area?
Kay Tamzarian (Fellows)
John was a fun sweet guy. A lot of the football players put on a good tough show but they had hearts of gold. He certainly fell in that category. He must've been raised by a loving mama! My condolences to his family and close friends. This is a hard chapter we're in with classmates passing and aging parents. Seems like we were just at the Hot Shoppes drive in and Bambinos. Guess we just have to embrace it, eh? Shout out to all bulldogs '70. Xo
Michael Magathan
Chick was a good friend at Hoover and High School. His Mom and Nic's Mom were like second parents to me. The "Greeks" (you too Harry) let me tag along to bazzars and teen nights. I never felt like an "outsider". After our Junior year, Nic and I went to Chick's house and built a big snowman fashioned as coach Dobrick. Chick came up with the idea of putting a brick in the belly (thus "the Brick"). Kati, Charlotte, Chick and I would double-date ... always fun... JV and Elaine would join in at times. John and I played football throughout together but what was really special was that Chick, JV and I made the varsity baseball team as 10th graders (a rare thing). You don't forget those things. I'll miss John. I'm glad my wife got to meet him at the 40th Reunion. It was neat she got to meet the guy I'd talked about and she had seen in home movies. Love you Chick!
Michael (Magoo) Magathan
Susan Tsikerdanos (Hufschmidt)
Thank you all for your kind comments about my brother John. This has been a difficult time for us and hearing your sweet comments about someone who meant the world to us, is precious. I am sure I speak for his wonderful wife Andrea, children Ernie, Justin and Darcy, our mother, our brother Mark and sister Elaine when I tell you how very proud we were to have him as ours. He was an incredible man, tough on the outside, kind and gentle on the inside, a wonderful family man, terrific father and husband, exceptional grandfather to his Riley, a truly great uncle, brother-in-law, cousin, friend, super son and the best older brother to grace this earth.
The only thing I would like for you to know is that John's heart did not fail him. It beat strongly until the end. Johnny died of cardiac arrest (that is way different from a heart attack) due to a pulmonary embolism.
John was a great friend to you all, funny and happy go lucky. But he grew into an incredible man, one who cared about his family more than anything.
Thank you again for your kindnesses.
Larry Thrasher
Right, John was so big and strong, and could look so tough, and yet was so good natured with a heart of gold. Truly a gentle giant. The world could use more like him. We'll miss you, John!
Richard Holsey
The thing I remembered most about John started in JHS. Having lunch with John and the other classmates and Mrs. Tsikerdanos....great spaghetti lunches! We never went hungry! John was a great offensive lineman that provided many passes for me to the goal line. I loved John like he was a brother. From Richard Holsey