John Morekas, a retired Baltimore businessman who hosted the "Greek-American Hour" on radio for more than 50 years, died June 8 of Parkinson's disease at Gilchrist Hospice Care. He was 81.
The son of Greek immigrants, Mr. Morekas was born in Baltimore and spent his early years in the city's Pimlico neighborhood.
In 1933, his family returned to Greece, where they settled in Kalamata. They intended to return to Baltimore after he and his brother completed high school but were trapped in Greece by the outbreak of World War II.
After surviving the Italian and German occupation, they returned to Baltimore in 1946, where Mr. Morekas graduated from City College.
He was a graduate from what is now the University of Baltimore, where he earned a degree in 1955 in business.
Mr. Morekas and his brother, Nicholas Spiros Morekas, established Ariston Paper and Janitor Supply Co. on South Frederick Street, which later moved to Highlandtown's Eaton Street.
They retired in 1988, after the business merged with Atlas Supply Co. of Baltimore.
Mr. Morekas later established Kentrikon Greek Gift Shop on Eastern Avenue, which specialized in recordings of Greek music and, in conjunction with Peter's Tours, arranged trips to Greece.
In 1950, Mr. Morekas was a co-founder of the "Greek-American Hour" on WBMD-AM, and for the next 55 years, hosted the show, which featured the "latest news, features, guest speakers, social announcements and contests with prizes," according to a 1979 advertisement in The Baltimore Sun.
According to a 1972 article in The Baltimore Sun, the "Greek-American Hour" retained a correspondent in Athens who would air live reports by telephone from Greece during weekend broadcasts.
Broadcasting in Greek, Mr. Morekas' show was on the air from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
In the 1972 article, Mr. Morekas told the newspaper that "conservatively speaking," his show was heard by a weekly audience of 20,000 to 30,000 people.
"John was a reserved, gentlemanly and courteous human being who influenced a wide segment of the Greek community in Baltimore," said Lou Panos, a retired Towson Times and former Evening Sun columnist who was a longtime friend.
"And for more than half a century, he effectively hosted his show, and was widely respected and admired," Mr. Panos said.
"It was popular and a must-listen-to for a large number of people in the Greek community. There was news of Europe, both political and economic, and prominent Greek-American news. There was also church and community news from Baltimore," he said.
Other features included on-air interviews with Greek-American candidates for office and politicians such as former Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes. There were features on Greek food as well as social news such as weddings, births and deaths.
"In this role, he was the unofficial spokesman for the Greek-American community in the Greater Baltimore area," said a daughter, Karen Kotapka of Narberth, Pa. "And he was honored many times for his contributions to the community."
Helen Xenakis was another longtime friend.
"It was a great radio show and a staple for the Greek community," said Mrs. Xenakis. "He also had been a wonderful supporter of the youth group" at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation.
"He was always respected for his kindness and generosity and his warm and welcoming smile," Mrs. Xenakis said. "He was so loved and kind to all."
Mr. Morekas stepped down from his radio show in 2005 after the station was sold.
He was a lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation. He was also a member of the Lord Baltimore chapter of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association and the Laconian Association Lycourgos/Taygete.
"He was a most conscientious man — fair-minded, pleasant and kind," his daughter said.
Mr. Morekas, who was an avid Orioles and Ravens fan, also liked watching televised soccer matches.
In 2004 and again in 2005, he traveled to Greece for reunions with family and friends.
Services were held Friday at his church.
Also surviving are his wife of 55 years, the former Helen Karukas; a son, Spero Morekas of Cockeysville; another daughter, Demi Morekas of Melbourne Beach, Fla.; a brother, Sam Morekas of North Palm Beach, Fla.; and a grandson.