John Nicholas Hatzikalfas, 76 years young, passed away peacefully surrounded by his devoted family at his home in Myrtle Beach, SC, on October 3, 2022. He was a 30 year resident of Raritan Township, NJ and spent the last 7 years in Myrtle Beach, SC.

John was born in a small town near Kavala, Greece on October 28, 1945, to Nicholas and Zafiro Hatzikalfas. In 1956, the family, including his sister Anastasia Vlahakes, immigrated to the United States first settling in Atlantic City, NJ, then the Bronx, NY and finally to Queens, NY.

John graduated from William Howard Taft High School and the NY School of Visual Arts where he met his soulmate, Eleanor (Anthony) Hatzikalfas. In 1967 John was drafted to the Vietnam War where he served in the Army as a combat artist. Upon returning from Vietnam in 1969 John and Eleanor married and began their life together as not only husband and wife but best friends.

John's creativity led him to a career in advertising where he worked his way up through the ranks at various agencies to ultimately become VP Associate Creative Director. Eventually he started up two advertising agencies, Pharmaka, LLC focusing on pharmaceuticals and Team Graphics, LLC for sports marketing. One of his most known works of art happened in 1990 when he redesigned the current Chicago White Sox logo.

He gave his amazing talents pro bono to many organizations such as the NJ Chapter of Vietnam Veterans where he served as president in 2004 and was commissioned by the Board of Chosen Freeholders to design the Hunterdon County Veterans Recognition Medal. He also served for the State Guard of SC after relocating to Myrtle Beach.

John's Greek heritage was a big part of his life and he loved his wife's Greek cuisine so much that one day he decided to open a restaurant called the Garden of Eat'n in downtown Somerville, NJ.

John will be memorialized in our hearts for his love and devotion to his family and his kindness and generosity toward others . John is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Eleanor Hatzikalfas, their two children, and four grandchildren. Tina and Doug Prew, and their son Doug Prew, Jr.(19yrs), Nikól and Mitch Hladky and their son Noah(17yrs) and two daughters Madisen(14yrs) and Samantha(11yrs).

All arrangements and cremation services are under the direction of the Grand Strand Funeral Home, 9020 Frontage Rd, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.

For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit John's Tribute Wall at https://www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/south-carolina/murrells-inlet/grand-strand-funeral-home-and-crematory/fh-41800