Ross N. Kalegi

Ross N. Kalegi, 85, of Akron, passed away Monday, February 18, 2013.

Ross was born on October 14, 1927 in Akron. He was a life-long resident of Akron, current resident of Fairlawn, long term member of the Greek Orthodox Church and affiliates of Brotherhood of St. John (Hiram, Ohio), St. Tikhon's Monastery (S. Canaan, Pa.), Holy Trinity (Jordanville, N.Y.) and Knights of Jerusalem (Rhodes, Greece).

Ross attended Kent and Robinson Elementary Schools and later graduated from East High School in 1946. He earned a five year degree from The University of Akron, majoring in business management, liberal arts and social science. Ross was especially proud of the fact that he attended classes in Buchtel Hall.

Ross served in the U.S. Army in Korea and was promoted to Staff Sergeant in just 13 months. He began his first job at All States Freight as an administrative assistant, serving the president and the vice president. Subsequently, he began his own business, Mutual Associates, which he operated until 1972. Following his ventures with Mutual Associates, Ross went to work with B.F. Goodrich. Because of an industrial accident, Ross was forced to retire. He was a member of the YMCA Athletic Club for many years, where he developed long standing friendships and also served on the YMCA Member Campaign.

Ross had compiled a chronicle of his parents' journey, from Makri, Turkey, to Athens and Rhodes, Greece, and finally to America. Included, was an outline of his family tree. He included many of the immigrants to these areas. This chronicle contained approximately 200 hand written papers. Ross also wrote literature and poetry. Though none of his work was ever published, he often shared much of it with friends.

Ross lived to travel when he was well. He visited Greece twice, England, France, Australia twice, China, Japan, and Korea, when he was in the Army. Ross was a resourceful and intelligent business man. He was kind, generous and a deep thinker. He had many friendships throughout his life. He always had a compliment and good word for those in need. Whether right or wrong, Ross cared more for individuals rather than material objects. During his business years, Ross was known for advising and counseling many others when he was asked for help. He influenced many to do their utmost in life.

Ross is survived by sister, Sylvia Nedwidek (New York, N.Y.); niece, Dr. Maria Nedwidek (New York, N.Y.); nephew, Jaime Biondo (Las Vegas, Nev.); grandniece, Ilonna Biondo; grandnephew, Lorenzo Biondo; and cousins in Athens, Rhodes, Greece, Paris, France, and Australia. Ross's sister, Julia Biondo (retired teacher, Akron, Ohio), passed away a year ago.

Funeral service will be held 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 23rd at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union St., Akron, 44304, with Fr. Jerry Hall officiating. Interment immediately following at Rose Hill Burial Park. Please visit www.hummelcares.com to view full obituary or to share memories and condolences.



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