In Memorium: Delegate Johnny Joannou

Speaker Howell announced the passing of long-time Virginia Delegate Johnny Joannou.

RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia House of Delegates is mourning the passing of former Delegate Johnny Joannou (D-Portsmouth). Joannou served in the House of Delegates from 1976 to 1983 and again from 1998 to 2016. He was a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and budget conferee.

“Cessie and I are heartbroken to learn of Johnny’s passing. He was a true friend who I respected deeply. Johnny was a good-natured man of deep convictions,” said House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford). “He was a principled public servant who gave his life to his fellow citizens in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Party labels were always an afterthought to Johnny; he did what he thought was right, and he wasn’t afraid to tell you about it either. The entire House of Delegates mourns the loss of a friend. Cessie and I are keeping Johnny’s wife, Chris, and their family in our prayers.”

“Johnny was one of my closest friends. Karen and I are both devastated by the news of his passing,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairman S. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk). “Johnny was a man of great character. I trusted and respected him deeply. His experience and understanding of state government made him an invaluable member of our committee. On behalf of the committee and its staff, I offer my deepest condolences to the Joannou family.”

He will be missed.