FRANKLIN: John Richard Gounaris

John Richard Gounaris
August 2, 1941– January 8, 2026

John Richard Gounaris, beloved husband of Jacqueline Robison Gounaris, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at 84 years of age with his wife of 44 years at his side, as she always was.

Of Albanian descent, John was born in Boston on August 2, 1941, to the late Basil and Mary Gounaris. In addition to his wife, John is survived by his brother Paul Gounaris and his wife Marilyn, his sister Doreen Gounaris, his sisters-in-law Amy Nanette Rosi, Sandra Murphy, Patricia McKenney and Kim Thomas; his nieces Veronica Gounaris, Dr. Phyllis Brown, and Kristine Alstead; nephews Andrew McKenney, Greg Robin, and Max Robin; great-nieces Mackenzie Alstead, Caroline Alstead, and Jane Robin; great-nephews Julian McKenney, Graham Robin, and Connor Alstead.

John could light up a room with his great smile, and his outgoing and friendly nature. He made people laugh. No one could beat him at baseball trivia. He loved baseball and the Boston Red Sox. He even attended its fantasy camp and earned the team MVP award.

He started family and friends’ baseball games and brought hats, bases, baseballs, and bats. After the first of these at the Robin’s Michigan family summer home and later at his home in Franklin, Massachusetts, he declared that baseball games were a tradition and he made it so.

His sports mania was not limited to baseball. He loved the Boston Celtics and had first row floor seats for many years.

John was a fan of The Honeymooners and could recite lines from memory from various episodes.

John played the accordion and sung at family events. His great-nephew, Graham, almost four years old, continues the tradition by loving and playing his little accordion with a big smile.

John worked his entire life. Beginning at age 5 when he worked at his uncle’s store managing the candy area. He worked with and helped the St. George Albanian Orthodox Church over many years. He and his band, The Five Sweaters, performed at various halls and venues around New England. John wrote a wonderful song called Rainbow, which he and the family frequently sang.

John had a successful decades-long career as chief executive various with retail companies. He was an Associate Professor at Johnson & Wales University in the College of Business for 23 years, he ran 16 student-abroad programs shepherding students to Italy and, of course, Albania of which he was very fond, plus many more countries such as Korea, the Netherlands, Poland, Australia , and more. He was beloved by his students and mentees, and received many awards for his superior teaching and engaging mentoring of students and the JWU baseball team.

While in the Air Force, John served in Korea during the Vietnam War and was a member of the New York Air Force National Guard.

John was friendly and fun. Dearly loved by his wife, his entire family, and many friends. He was a great mentor and friend to many. He will be sorely missed and mourned.

A celebration of Life Memorial Service for John will be held at the Charles F. Oteri and Son Funeral Home, 33 Cottage Street, Franklin, MA 02038 beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday January 31st. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Coachmen's Lodge Restaurant, 273 Wrentham Rd. Bellingham, MA 02019 beginning at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate in memory of John to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org (http://www.alz.org/)., 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, 1 800-272-3900.

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com