Longtime Utah businessman John Paras, who founded the furniture-store chain that bears his name, died March 18, 2006, at his home. He was 88.
Mr. Paras was born January 27, 1918, in Salt Lake City to Nick and Despain Rogaris Paras. He graduated from Cyprus High School, then joined the U.S. Navy where he survived the attack on Pearl Harbor as a gunner on the U.S.S. Raleigh. He served throughout the war, including a battle in Guadalcanal where his ship was sunk.
John Paras Furniture was not his first venture into owning a retail business. After the war, he joined his brothers in starting a grocery business. In 1953, he opened his first furniture store and worked the business until his retirement in 1988. Today, John Paras Furniture has four Utah locations and a clearance center in Rock Springs, Wyo.
Mr. Paras is survived by his wife Jean and their five children. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at noon at the Taylorsville 14th Ward, 1250 W. Atherton Dr. Friends may visit Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Road, and from 11-11:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens.