John C. Googas Jr.

John Chris Googas, Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and God, whom he trusted with all of his soul throughout his beautiful life. His source of joy, comfort and peace was his family, church and public service. He was born in Albany on March 31, 1952 and raised by his beloved parents, the late John and Eleftheria Googas. They instilled in him the importance of faith, and he followed their guidance as an active and lifetime member of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church. He served in many leadership roles over the past several years, including the Parish Council, Saint Sophia Housing and volunteer of the annual Grecian Festival, where he enjoyed cooking for members of the community. It was apparent to everyone who knew him that his wife of 43 years, Mary Pat (Stackman) Googas, was his soulmate. He was also a loving and devoted father to Melissa (Matt) O’Connor and Andrea (Rob) Hahn. His grandchildren, Ronan and Ava, brought him an immeasurable amount of happiness on a daily basis. They each feel blessed to have spent so much time with him, including many vacations throughout the country. He was also the cherished brother of Christine (Arthur) Gianakos, James (Mary) Googas, and several nieces and nephews, many of whom he considered children of his own. In addition to his faith and family, John dedicated his life to public service for 43 years, through his role as a senior advisor to the New York State Senate. On June 16, 2016, the Senate adopted a Legislative Resolution in his honor, stating that in his official acts, he was “governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems … and earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues.” Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road, Albany. Relatives and friends are invited to attended funeral services on Friday at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery in Albany. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road, Albany, New York, 12208, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in memory of John C. Googas, Jr.

John C. Googas Jr.

March 31, 1952 - April 7, 2024