GAMBITSIS, Johnny (Yannis)
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on 22 September 2025, aged 81, after a sudden onset of terminal cancer lasting eight months.

Johnny, affectionately known as Yannis, was a beloved father to Jason and Alex, and a loving father-in-law to Sarah and Kirsty. He was the cherished grandfather of Jessie, Amy and Mikey. Johnny was the devoted son of the late Cleo and Constantinos Gambitsis.

He was a dear brother to Leo (and his late wife Jean), Thomas (and his wife Marjorie), and Stella (and her late husband Roland). He also leaves behind his sister Vicky, who lives in Greece (and her late husband George). Johnny is joyfully reunited with his late siblings Nick and his wife Lorraine, Maria and her husband Jimmy, Annie and her husband Bob, Cathy and Jean. He also joins his sister Magdalene, survived by her husband Keith.

Johnny was a loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews: Michael, Tony, Christina, Karen, Suzie, Paul, Chris, Urania (living in Greece), George, Alan, Adrian, Diana, Michelle, Cleo and Peter. The family also fondly remembers Gina, a dear friend who embraced his Greekness and shared many warm meals, and Paul, whose steadfast companionship meant so much to Yannis in later years.

He will be missed by his former wife Gillian and his wider family members.

Born in Pahiatua and grew up in Wellington, Johnny played many important roles: son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, seaman, painter and decorator, property developer, friend, and host. He would want us to remember him for his hospitality, his stories, and his unwavering Greek spirit. A true Greek through and through, he deeply revered Greek civilisation and culture, often speaking of its history. Though his dream to spend his last days in Greece was unfulfilled, he always embraced his Greek identity, working and socialising with his Greek family and friends throughout his life.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers for their exceptionally attentive care of Johnny, especially the dedicated staff at the Palmerston North Hospice and the local district nurses. Special gratitude is also extended to Tommy and Marjorie whose unwavering support brought great comfort.

A Greek Orthodox service will be conducted in the Wellington Greek Orthodox Cathedral “O Evangelismos tis Theotokou" (Annunciation of the Birth giver of God), Hania Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington on Monday, 29 September 2025 at 10 am, followed by burial at Makara Cemetery.