John Dileanis

John Dileanis passed away December 17, 2022, after a short battle with cancer.

John was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on March 28, 1944, to Gus and Kathryn Dileanis. When he was a young boy, John and his family moved to Los Angeles, California, for a few years before eventually settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1954, where John then enjoyed living the remainder of his life.

A Manzano High School graduate, John went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Mexico. He then served four years in the U.S. Air Force, spending much of it stationed in Ankara, Turkey.

After the service, John ventured into the media industry. He first worked as a cameraman for KGGM (KRQE) and then settled into his final occupation as Production Assistant with the City of Albuquerque's public access channel, now known as One Albuquerque Media.

It was at KGGM, in 1974, where John met Hal Rhodes. John was assigned as Hal's cameraman for a story based in Taos, NM. The two would share an interesting and entertaining life together, full of love and dedication, until Hal's passing in late 2020.

Enough cannot be said about John's fine character. He was kind, compassionate, and good-natured. John loved reading and took a keen interest in both local and worldwide affairs. He was a talented gardener, with a particular fondness for his treasured fig trees. He was extremely skilled in the kitchen, making exceptional dishes that both family and friends loved. John cherished his family and close friendships greatly. And he was rightly proud of his Greek heritage.

John is preceded in death by his husband Harold Rhodes; father, Gus Dileanis; mother, Kathryn Dileanis; and younger brother William Dileanis. He is survived by nephews Kevin Dileanis and Cliff Henderson; nieces Kara McCrummen, and Kimberly Galvan; sister-in-law Merri Dileanis; stepdaughter Danna Rhodes; stepson Phillip Rhodes; and his beloved dog Zeus.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for the coming year.