Michael Kermizis

Michael Kermizis

 From traditional Greek Immigration roots to “Modern America” – Michael Kermizis lived his entire life in Akron, Ohio. He was Honest, Faithful and True to his family, friends, and country. Michael passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife, Martha Kermizis; sister, Helen Brian (Bruce); children, Ann Barrett (Steve), Michael Kermizis Jr. (daughters Portia and Dilana), Lisa Abraham (Craig), and Christina Kirby (Jim and daughter Sarah). 

He has always been an unwavering father, brother, husband and the biggest fan of his children – so proud! He ruled his family with strict guidelines and a loving heart. Quick to smile, quick to forgive. 

He joined the Army Reserve at age 19. A graduate from the Command and General Staff College of the Armed Forces in Washington DC he went on to become a Lieutenant Colonel and commanded several army units with over 250 people. He received several awards, including the prestigious Legion of Merit in 1985. 

He received his business degree from the University of Akron and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and the Wrestling Team. Upon graduating he immediately began his full-time teaching career at Buchtel High School. He started the wrestling and tennis programs at Buchtel and was a Hall of Fame Inductee to the Summit Coaches Association in 1984. He taught Business, Accounting, Economics, Typing, and started a Photography Program. He witnessed huge social and cultural changes throughout his career in the Akron Public School System which began in 1956. 

Along the way, he had many fun and interesting side jobs including Clerk Custodian while teaching & coaching, Timer for Basketball & Football games, Game Videographer, Carpentry, Sales Manager at F-Stop Camera shop, working with People to People and traveling the world with students. He also taught skiing at Boston Mills, getting his Associate teaching level and scheduling lessons for the ski school. 

He always did whatever was necessary to support his family. Family Vacations were always important so when he bought “Big Red” our camper to use for family trips, he also used it for transportation to and from work during the school year instead of a “regular” car. 

He loved his country and took great pride in teaching his children how to raise, lower and fold the flag properly. 

Special thanks to the extraordinary hospice team from Ohio Living – Home, Health & Hospice. Please consider donating to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Visitation will be held WEDNESDAY, January 15 from 4-7 P.M. at Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Akron, OH 44333 with a Trisagion Service at 5 P.M. Graveside Service with Military Honors 12:45 P.M. THURSDAY, January 16 at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd. Seville, OH 44273. To view full Obituary, share a Memory, Send a Condolence, Light a Candle or Send Flowers, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel 85 N. Miller Rd. Akron, OH 44333