John E. Dianastasis, 83, of Lancaster died peacefully on Monday, November 11, 2013 at LGH. He was born in Lancaster and was the son of the late Ernest and Despina (Stringas) Dianastasis. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Despina (Vekios) Dianastasis. John lived his entire life in Lancaster and was a graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School. John was a very successful entrepreneur who left a lasting impact on the community. At age 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at General MacArthur's headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. He was in charge of the Roosevelt Recreation Center, where he taught enlisted officers and their families to swim. He also served as a Page in the War Crimes Trial of General Tojo and 24 Japanese officers, something that left a lasting impression on him throughout his life. While in the service he swam and played football and was part of several championship teams. He also earned a black belt in Judo. John spent the last six months of military duty at Walter Reed Hospital teaching wounded warriors how to swim. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge from the Army, he became both a carpenter and the manager of several swim clubs. In 1958, John founded the Lancaster Aquatic Club and was its first swim coach. His love of swimming led him to build Skyline Pool in 1960. He owned and operated Skyline for 18 years. During that time, he taught hundreds of small children how to swim, while maintaining a wonderful family swim club enjoyed by thousands. Also during that time, Skyline's swim team won several city and county championships. By then the entire community knew John affectionately as "Johnny D". In 1963, Johnny D also decided to enter the Real Estate business, and formed J.D. Real Estate, located at 600 Fountain Ave. It is the oldest operating Real Estate firm in Lancaster. He also started a softball team for which he played and managed for 25 years. The teams he managed amassed an overall record of 460 – 180, while also winning several championships. It brought him great joy to have his son Nick on the team, along with many of his friends. Johnny D was also an avid golfer and tennis player; two sports he enjoyed for almost his entire life. John was a life member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Lancaster, where he served in numerous leadership roles over the years. He was also a long-term member of AHEPA. John was a loving and devoted father and grandfather who put his children above all else. Surviving in addition to his wife, son, Ernie J. Dianastasis, husband of Jennifer, of Chadds Ford; daughter Maria D. Skeparnias, wife of Louis, of York, PA; and son Nick J. Dianastasis, of Lancaster. He enjoyed his four wonderful grandchildren, Nick L. Skeparnias, John L. Skeparnias, John E. Dianastasis, and Paisley S. Dianastasis. Also survived is a sister, Irene (Dianastasis) Mavrides and a brother-in-law George Vekios, husband of Bonnie. Johnny D made a lasting impact on everyone he touched. His wonderful smile, positive attitude, and sincere care for his family and friends will give us strength and a lasting role model. Funeral Services will be on Friday, November 15, 2013 at 10:30AM at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 64 Hershey Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603, with The Rev. Alexander Goussetis and The Rev. Hector Firoglanis officiating. A viewing will take place the night before, from 6-9PM at the church with a Trisagion Service at 7:30PM, and again on Friday morning from 9:30-10:30AM at the church prior to the service. Interment will be in Conestoga Memorial Park with Military Honors rendered by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard and the Vet 21 Salute Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, or Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1054 New Holland Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601, or Easter Seals Central PA, 2550 Kingston Center, York, PA 17402.