John James Vournous of Hermitage, known to family and friends as Yanni, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Sunday (7-28-13) in the emergency room of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 37. John was born Sept. 26, 1975, in Warren, Ohio, a son of James and Maria Hionas Vournous. He was a 1994 alumnus of Hickory High School, Hermitage, and graduated magna cum laude from Youngstown State University with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering technology. John was employed by Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., Hermitage, and specialized in water, wastewater and energy projects. Those who worked closely with John understand the loss of a highly regarded and multi-talented co-worker, but more importantly, the loss of a trusted and valued friend. John was a part owner of the family businesses, The Middlesex Diner and PJ's Corner Café. He was well-respected by fellow employees, clients, and contractors alike. Outside of work, he was an accomplished sous chef, line cook, restaurant manager, and ranch hand, whose passion and zest for life engaged everyone around him. He was an awesome husband, son, son-in-law, brother and friend who will be missed dearly by his family and friends. John loved spending time with his family, friends and beloved kitties. He was an avid New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He will always be remembered as a hard-working, comical, generous, and lovable man. He is survived by: his wife, the former Kara Baldarelli, whom he married July 3, 2005, and their precious cat Lily; his mother, Maria Vournous, and a brother, Peter Vournous, both Hermitage; a sister, Anna Vournous and her fiancé George Kranias, Sharpsville; his aunt Mona and uncle Mike Henlen, Farrell; his cousins Pete and Kristy; his Aunt Eugenia and Uncle George; cousin Michael Kinausis and family, all Athens, Greece; his cousin Jimmy Siderias, who was like a brother to John, in Oklahoma; his father-in-law, Levio Baldarelli and his wife Joyce, Hermitage; and his mother-in-law, Annie Shaw, West Middlesex. John was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Vournous; his paternal grandparents, John and Anna Vournous; his maternal grandparents, Pete and Olympia (Chris) Hionas; and his uncles, Steve and George Vournous. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to a local Mercer County animal charity. Calling hours: 3:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday (8-1-13) in J. BRADLEY Mc- GONIGLE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday (8-2-13) in Aunnunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Washington Street, Farrell. Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.