John Scouffas

John Scouffas, 88, passed away on November 1, 2012, at Pioneer Ridge Healthcare Center in Lawrence, KS. John was the son of Telemachos and Melpomene Scouffas. He was born in Hartford, CT on February 25, 1924,and grew up in Manchester, NH.

In April, 1943, John enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Medical Corps in Saint-Lo, France and was part of the Normandy Invasion. An accomplished singer, he also served as a performer for the troops while he served in Europe.  Just prior to being shipped overseas he married Eva Belle Karva in a chapel in Mineral Wells, TX, on December 25, 1943.

When the war ended John returned to his wife and son, John, in Urbana, IL.He entered the University of Illinois on the GI Billwhere he studied music.As a student he also helped start the Opera Workshop in the School of Music. After working a number of years on the east coast in music and publishing, Johnreturned to Urbana to take a position at the University of Illinois where he later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.

John worked in various positions at the University of Illinois including Assistant Dean of Students and ended his career at the University as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Executive Director of Student Discipline.  He had a significant roll in maintaining order on campus during growing student unrest during the 1960s.

Involved in programs that addressed the growing student drug addiction problems during the 70s, John also helped establish Gemini House, a drug treatment program in Champaign-Urbana.

After retiring in May of 1988,he and his wife, Eva,had time to travel to Greece several times and throughout the United States. John loved music, camping, fly-fishing, travel and spending good times with friends and family.

John was preceded in death by his son Timothy, brother George Scouffas, sister Anthea Scouffas Fottler, granddaughter Mary, and great-grandson Alexander. He leaves his loving wife, Eva Belle Scouffas of Lawrence, KS; son John Richard (Mary Ellen) Scouffas of Palo Alto, CA; son Nicholas (Sherry) Scouffas of Oak Park, IL; son David Scouffas, Hayward, CA; daughter Anthea Scouffas (Sharon Graham), Lawrence, KS; and grandchildren Rick (Debbie) Scouffas of Tiburon, CA; Heather (Shawn) Maylen, Santa Clara, CA; Nick (Michelle) Scouffas, Brookfield, IL; and Beth (Brad) Mann of Western Springs, IL.  He is also survived by four great- grandchildren.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 5 p.m. on November 19 at the Krannert Center on the University of Illinois campus.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to a charity of your choice or to the National Alzheimer’s Association.