Grosse Pointe News

Sean Cotton, Owner • Anne Gryzenia, Publisher • Jody McVeigh, Editor In Chief • Meg Leonard, Senior Editor

16980 Kercheval Pl. • Grosse Pointe, Michigan 48230 • 313.882.6900 • Monday-Friday 9am-4pm

John N. CotziasFree Access


John Nicholas Cotzias, “the nicest guy in Grosse Pointe,” was called home to the Lord Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, after a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). He was 59 years old.

John was born June 2, 1960, in Grosse Pointe. He received a business degree from Western Michigan University, where he enjoyed his days as a brother of the Sigma Chi fraternity. John used his knowledge to find a place in the real estate world. He and his brother went on to open their own agency, Real Estate in the Pointes, which remains a staple in the community.

Outside of business, John’s greatest love could be found in the eyes of his soulmate. He met Barbara in 1984 at Montego Bay and his life changed forever. The two married in 1988. They enjoyed 32 years of true love, raising two girls along the way. Jamie, their eldest daughter, grew to take on many of John’s passions. Kimmie, their youngest, inherited John’s humor and wit.

John deeply enjoyed the outdoors, which he was able to explore at his cabin in the Upper Peninsula. He never missed a deer season with his lifelong buddies, whom he loved beyond measure. John also adored golfing, Neil Young, stovetop popcorn and keeping everyone on their toes with his jokes and impressions. Above all else, he had a knack for making anyone he met feel like family.

John was predeceased by his father, Chris. He is survived by his mother, Elpis; dearest wife, Barbara; daughters, Jamie and Kimmie; sisters, Irene Wingfield (Trip), Helen Bertakis (Christ) and Mary Weinman (Tom); and beloved brother, Chris Cotzias (Katie). John also is survived by countless nieces and nephews, friends and “His Boys.”

Visitation is 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Chas. Verheyden Inc., 16300 Mack, Grosse Pointe Park. An additional day of visitation takes place 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, with Trisagion at 7 p.m.

A funeral takes place Saturday, Jan. 25, with instate at 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 10 a.m., at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 707 E. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit.