BOSTON – Anestis John Ghanotakis passed away unexpectedly at Winchester Hospital. He was 86 years old.

The son of the late John and Marika Ghanotakis, Anestis was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and spent his childhood between the Island of Rhodes in Greece and the Greek community in Addis Ababa. His family survived Italian and German occupations during World War II.

Anestis attended Manchester University in the UK, did a fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, earned a Masters’ Degrees in Economics and African History at Boston University, a PhD in African History at Boston University, and an MBA at UMASS Boston when he was in his 60s.

Anestis spent most of his career as a healthcare economist for the State of Massachusetts.

He was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church and served in various roles (choir, parish council, cultural committee) at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Lexington, MA and St. Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church in Arlington, MA.

Anestis was passionate about his family; his Greek heritage; and was a lifelong learner.  He spoke six languages, was an accomplished pianist, published two poetry books, and was an avid artist. Until the end of his life, Anestis was surrounded by his loving family.

Anestis is survived by his wife Natalie; his children John, Alexander, and Elena and their spouses; his eight grandchildren; his sister Amalia; and many friends and relatives all over the world.

His Funeral Service was held in accordance with CDC, Federal, State & Local guidelines at St. Athanasius Greek Orthodox, 4 Appleton St, Arlington, MA 02476 on Wednesday, October 20 At the request of the family, the burial was private.