Virginia Town Crier

Johnny Joannou, a former state senator and delegate in the Virginia General Assembly and a lawyer in Portsmouth, died Friday morning.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer about a month ago, said his daughter, Stephanie Joannou Menefee.

“He had a huge heart for everyone,” she said. “He’s probably the most honest, genuine man I have ever come across in my entire life.”

Joannou served more than 30 years in the General Assembly before his defeat last summer by Steve Heretick in a Democratic primary for the 79th House District seat. He was known for principled stances against taxes and a desire to stick up for the working man.

Joannou worked at Joannou & Associates in Portsmouth. He was 76.

“Johnny will be remembered for his decades of devoted service to his community and his Commonwealth,” Gov. Terry McAuliffe said in a statement.

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~ The Virginian-Pilot