John A. Koninis Sr., age 91, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Friday March 27th, 2026.
Born on July 7, 1934, in Newton, New Jersey, John was the beloved son of Konstantinos Koninis of Tirnavos, Greece, and Demetria Koninis of Sparta, Greece. He grew up in Newton, where he attended and graduated from Newton High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1958 during the Korean War. During his service, John worked as a personnel man to Colonel Klink aboard the USS New Jersey. After leaving the Navy, John met the love of his life, Anastasia Mallis, at a dance at St. George Cathedral Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was love at first sight, and the two were married in 1958. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their family in New Jersey.
John worked in several restaurants before joining his cousin, Manuel Sturgis, in the liquor business at Raritan Liquors in Bernardsville, New Jersey. Determined to own his own business, John moved to Delaware in 1975 and founded his floor covering company. Known by many as the “Flooring Doctor,” John worked at Floor Coverings Unlimited for over 50 years. He built a reputation for his strong work ethic, honesty, integrity, and dedication to helping every customer in any way he could.
Outside of work, John took great pride in being an active member of several organizations. He was a member of the Lions Club of Chadds Ford, a 23rd Degree Mason, and a proud member of the Order of AHEPA. He served in Wilmington’s Chapter 95 and later at the district level representing Delaware and New Jersey. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as an original founding father of Odyssey Charter School. John also love the outdoors which included hunting, fishing and golf.
John will be remembered for his generosity, deep love for his family, and his endearing grumpy sense of humor that brought smiles to those who knew him best.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Anastasia Koninis; his son, John A. Koninis II; his beloved granddaughter, Alexandra; his sister-in-law, Jennie Mallis; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. And let’s not forget his grand doggie Benny.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Konstantinos and Demetria Koninis; his daughters, Konnie and Christina Koninis; his brother, Paul Koninis; his sister-in-law, Connie Koninis; his sister, Ana Millionas; his brothers-in-law, George Millionas and Nick Mallis; and his dear best friends, Don and Margaret Mitchell.
A viewing will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, April 2 at Holy Trinity Cathedral Greek Orthodox Church, 808 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19806 with a funeral service at 11:30 am. Interment will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wilmington AHEPA Chapter 95 Scholarship Fund, 808 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19806.
John will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
