Harry Kanakaredes, a lover of life, star performer at his grandchildren's musical birthday parties, camera collector, champion bridge player, world traveler, master debater, voracious reader, Rummikub addict... . and so much more, peacefully passed away Tuesday August 16, 2016.
Harry was born November 30th 1927 to Greek immigrant parents who instilled in him a voracious love of knowledge, a passion for culture and a fearless commitment to Socratic debate. He loved his country and his Greek American heritage. He proudly served in the US Army Engineer Corps, overseeing the building of housing for returning US troops at the end of WWll.
Harry graduated from the University of Akron in 1950 and was a faithful member of Lamda Chi Alpha Fraternity, AHEPA and The American Albanian Club. He owned and operated Dewitt Jenkins Insurance Agency for close to half a century, treating his clients like family members.
Harry was a dedicated, loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and fearlessly loyal friend. His life was about loving his family and always putting them first. Knowledge and seeing the world, talking to everyone you meet, finding long lost family members in cities all over the world, taking the time to really talk to people and learn from them were all part of what Harry proclaimed "made him a very wealthy man." His 88 and a half years were very well lived and he will be so missed. Harry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Connie Temo Kanakaredes; daughters, Lia (KJ) Shiekh, Aretta (Dale) Bernard and Melina Kanakaredes (Peter Constantinides); grandchildren, Johnny, Jimmy, Dina, Ariana, Anya, Zoe and Karina; sister, Thean Pelecanos: nieces, Lydia Sweeny, Dr. Eleni Matts, Kristen King and Marija Temo and so many more, it's tough to count... he was Theo Harry to all.
Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Anthony D. Retikas, M.D. Scholarship Fund C/O Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Akron 129 South Union St. Akron, Ohio 44304. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)