As Joan Vassos captures hearts on season 1 of The Golden Bachelorette, many are curious about her life before reality TV, particularly her marriage to her late husband, John Vassos. For 32 years, John was Joan’s partner, a devoted husband, and a pillar in his community. While Joan seeks a second chance at love, it’s important to remember and honor the remarkable life of John Vassos, whose obituary paints a picture of a man deeply loved and greatly admired. This article delves into the life of John Vassos, drawing from his obituary and Joan’s heartfelt recollections, to understand the man behind the name and his lasting impact.
Who Was John Vassos, Joan Vassos’ Husband?
John Vassos was more than just a husband; he was a successful businessman, a dedicated coach, and a generous soul. According to his obituary, John owned and operated BCE Corporation and CapX Solutions, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. However, his professional life was just one facet of a multifaceted man. The obituary reveals a man who “embraced life with vigor and never did anything halfway.” This zest for life extended to his personal relationships and his community involvement.
John’s generosity was a defining characteristic. His obituary emphasizes his “epic generosity,” highlighting that “it is impossible to count the number of people and organizations he supported.” This wasn’t just about financial contributions; it was about his willingness to give his time, energy, and love to those around him. For John, friendship was a lifelong commitment, and he was known to go above and beyond for those he cared about.
Beyond his business ventures, John was deeply involved in youth sports. He served as a youth football coach, an activity that reflected his passion for mentorship and development. He wasn’t just teaching football skills; he was imparting valuable life lessons about sportsmanship and teamwork to young athletes, shaping them both as players and individuals.
A Loving Partnership and Enduring Memories
Joan Vassos often speaks fondly of her life with John, emphasizing the deep love and joy they shared. She described their life together to Katie Couric Media as “wonderful” and expressed her love for being married to John. Their relationship, which began in Ocean City, Maryland, when Joan was 20 and John was 21, was built on a strong foundation of love and family.
Joan recounted to Entertainment Tonight a poignant moment before John’s passing, where he encouraged her to find love again, stating, “You need to go out and find somebody else. You were the best wife in the world and I want you to be happy.” This selfless wish from John is a testament to his love for Joan and his desire for her continued happiness, even after he was gone. Joan believes he played a role in her journey to The Golden Bachelorette, feeling his support in her new adventure.
Their home was a hub of love and activity. “When John and I first fell in love, it was all about family,” Joan shared. “We had a joyous, loving household with a lot of people in it, filled with love.” She fondly remembers John’s ability to make everyone feel special. “When you walked into a room, John made you feel like you were the only person in it. He just had this knack. He made life fun. He made me feel very visible every day. Best 33 years ever.” This description paints a vivid picture of a man who cherished his loved ones and made every moment memorable.
John Vassos’s Battle with Pancreatic Cancer and Passing
John Vassos’s life, full of vigor and generosity, was tragically cut short by pancreatic cancer. He passed away at the age of 59 on January 18, 2021, after a two-year battle with the disease. He died at home in Maryland, surrounded by his family, a testament to the close-knit family life he and Joan had built.
Joan bravely shared the painful details of John’s illness during the premiere of The Golden Bachelorette. She recalled the sudden onset of his symptoms and the rapid decline in his health. “One day we were supposed to go away for a lacrosse game and John said, ‘I just feel really lousy,’ and I looked at him and I was like, ‘Something is really wrong with you,’” she recounted. The diagnosis followed shortly after, plunging their lives into the turmoil of cancer treatment and its devastating effects.
A photo of Joan Vassos, reflecting on the memory of her late husband, John Vassos.
The physical toll of the cancer was immense. Joan described his dramatic weight loss, “He went from 220 pounds to 120 pounds.” Despite the grim reality, Joan admitted to living in denial, struggling to accept the impending loss. The night John passed, Joan’s heartbreaking account of missing his final moments reveals the suddenness of his death and the lingering grief she carries. “I wasn’t there with him, which I feel terrible about,” she confessed, highlighting the deep emotional impact of his loss.
A Lasting Legacy and Family
Even in grief, Joan focuses on celebrating John’s life and legacy. On the third anniversary of his death, she shared an emotional Instagram tribute, expressing the complex emotions of loss – the fresh pain and the fear of memories fading. Her words, “I always knew that the hole he left in the universe when he passed away could never be filled, but I didn’t realize that maybe people might just stop noticing it was there,” poignantly capture the enduring impact of his absence.
John Vassos’s legacy lives on through his children: Nicholas, Erica, Allison, and Luke, and his grandchildren. His obituary proudly states, “To say he was proud of his kids would be a massive understatement.” They are, as the obituary notes, “carrying on his legacy of generosity, his passion for life, and his love of family and friends.” For Joan, family remains paramount, a value clearly instilled by her years with John. Her decision to leave The Golden Bachelor to support her daughter underscores this deep-seated family commitment.
John Vassos was a man who lived life to the fullest, loved deeply, and gave generously. While Joan Vassos embarks on a new chapter, it is important to remember and celebrate the life of John Vassos. His obituary serves not just as a record of his passing but as a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy of love that continues to resonate. His story, intertwined with Joan’s, adds depth and richness to her journey on The Golden Bachelorette, reminding us of the enduring power of love and family.
