John G. Caranasos died on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at the age of 34 in Gainesville, FL. He was the son of George and Constance Caranasos. A native of Gainesville, he graduated from Gainesville High School and while there was a member of the Naval ROTC. He took great pride in being an Eagle Scout and having worked with the Boy Scouts. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Greek Orthodox Church where he had served as an altar boy.John was a special gift to his parents and brought them untold joy on his arrival. Kind, gentle, shy, loving, concerned and a bit messy, he exemplified bigness of heart. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke. He was a consummate Gator fan. He loved all sports, especially football and basketball. Going to Gator games was a special treat. He was good at shooting baskets, pool, bowling, and golf. His knowledge of sports was encyclopedic and his ability to predict the winner of games was uncanny. His skill in participating in contests on the radio by calling in answers led to winning many prizes, including a trip to Disney World. He had a special liking for country music. Reading mystery novels and writing his own stories was one of his favorite pastimes.John is survived by his parents, George and Constance Caranasos, his sister Ellen Sharp (Brian), his brother Thomas (Brienne), his niece Evia Jean Caranasos, "family" Cindy, Roger, Colleen, Noah, and Aaron Daigen, and his very special friends Gary and Marilyn Winner.Funeral Services will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at St. Elizabeth Greek Orthodox Church, 5129 NW 53rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32653 with Father Nikitas Theodosion officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Friday with the Trisagion Service at 7:00 PM at Forest Meadows Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Elizabeth Greek Orthodox Church. Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528