Greek Australian John Koikas, a respected member of Melbourne’s Greek community, passed away on Wednesday, March 18.
Originally from the village of Elika in Laconia, Koikas was born in 1936 and migrated to Australia in 1963 where he settled in Melbourne.
Koikas worked diligently as a shoemaker for more than half a century, and he used to own the Vienna Shoes store on Sydney Road before downsizing to the Brunswick market. He became closely connected with both the Greek and wider communities in Melbourne.
Koikas was a pioneer and master of his craft, and through his dedication and integrity earned the respect of the local community, particularly residents of Brunswick, where he lived and worked.
In a 2023 interview with Brunswick Voice, Koikas spoke about his work and said, “I don’t come in for money any more. It’s a way to pass the time.” His market spot was always filled with other Greek men and remained a place of community.
Koikas and his late wife Penelope raised two children and had two grandchildren. One of his grandchildren is Father Irinaios Koikas, current Parish Priest of the Panagia Kamariani Greek Orthodox Parish in Red Hill.
Respects will be paid to the Mr Koikas at his funeral service on Monday, March 23. The service will take place at 11am at the Saint Basil’s Church in Brunswick and will be officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. Burial will follow at Northern Memorial Park Cemetery (Stuart Section, Box Forest Road, Glenroy).
On Sunday, March 22 at 6pm, a trisagion service will be held at the same church.
