John George Markulis

John George Markulis, affectionately known as 'Yiannis O Psomas' or "John the Bread Man" passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on February 2, 2014 at the age of 83 after a valiant battle with pneumonia and other health issues. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Doctor Wayne Tsang, Doctor John Chia and in particular Doctor Leonard Scuderi who through their tireless dedication prolonged his life over the past several years.
A pioneer in the baking industry in Southern California, he was co-owner of Puritan Bakery located in Carson California for over 50 years. Well known in the Southern California Greek Community, John helped many Greek Americans become successful restaurateurs by sharing his wisdom and business acumen. A very passionate and giving man, John had a huge heart and was always willing to extend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was instrumental in shaping the lives of many young men and women in the Greek Community as well as many others with whom he met during his life.
Born in Sunnyside, Utah on March 29, 1930, he was the eldest of five brothers to George John and Terpsihora Markulis. He came from humble beginnings as his father was a coal miner in Utah, and the family struggled during this time. John's entrepreneur spirit blossomed early in life when as a young boy he started a business selling gum and newspapers to troop trains at the local train station in Helper, Utah during WWII to help support his family. He saved up enough money from his newspaper business to move his family to San Pedro California in 1943 and put a down payment on a house. Always as hard worker, he continued to work at various jobs while in school to support his family, including working at Todd Shipyard where he rose to a managerial position at the young age of fourteen years old having lied about his age in order to get the job. He attended San Pedro High School where he was an accomplished athlete making all-league and all-city in football. At fifteen he started working at Di Carlo Bakery in San Pedro where he quickly learned the business and rose through the ranks to management, and further developed a well-regarded reputation in the industry.
In 1965 he was offered an opportunity to join a struggling bakery as a partner. Although it was a risk, John accepted the challenge and joined Puritan Bakery. Through his hard work and solid reputation in the industry, he and his partner Tom Grimes built a multi-million dollar business which is today the only independently owned commercial bakery in Southern California employing over 300 people. Known for having the "Best Buns in Town", he insisted on having the highest quality bread in the business. He cared deeply about his workers and their families, and he would frequently be seen touring the production floor of his bakery talking with his employees about their families.
He was an avid outdoorsman who often spent his leisure time on the waters around Southern California and his beloved Catalina Island fishing on his boat the "Puritan XI" and spending time with his many good friends. He also gave back to his community through volunteering his time coaching many youth teams in Carson over a period twenty years. John had a positive influence on many young men who looked to him as a mentor and father-figure. Through his guidance, many of the young men he coached became respected young adults.
Above all, he cherished his family. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother, he is survived by his wife of 63 years Anita, his children Lorraine, George, Cathy and John, his grandchildren Christina, Michelle, Michael, Sophia, Panos, Patricia, John, Nick, Erica, Greg, Christiana, Christopher, Alexandra and James, and his great grandchildren Tanner and Ryan, and his brothers Mike, Nick and Jimmy.

Arrangements:
Memorial Service ("Trisagion") – February 7, 2014 at 7:30 PM: Saint Sophia Cathedral , 1324 South Normandie Ave., Los Angeles, California 90006
Funeral Service – February 8, 2014 at 10:00 AM: Saint Sophia Cathedral, 1324 South Normandie Ave., Los Angeles California 90006


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275