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MICHAEL JAHARIS Obituary

JAHARIS--Michael.

1928 - 2016. Mr. Michael Jaharis, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and humanitarian community passed away peacefully on February 17, 2016 in his home with his family by his side. Born and raised in Evanston, Illinois, Michael was the son of Greek immigrants, Michael and Katerina Jaharis, from the island of Lesvos. Shortly after his college graduation from Carroll University in June 1950, Michael was called to serve in the US Army during the Korean War and was deployed to help run the medical and pharmaceutical supply in Austria. After his service, Michael joined Miles Laboratories as a Sales Representative in the Ethical Drug Division (Prescription Drug), and earned his JD as a night student at DePaul University. Michael rose through the ranks at Miles to be appointed Vice President and Executive Legal Counsel for Food and Drug Law, where he also became involved in marketing for the company. In 1972, Michael became president and CEO of Key Pharmaceuticals, where he led his team to develop pharmaceutical breakthroughs such as sustained-release Theo-Dur, which became the nation's best selling asthma remedy, and Nitro-Dur, the first transdermal sustained-release product to release nitroglycerin through the skin. In 1988, Michael founded Kos Pharmaceuticals, where he led his team to pioneer innovative drug therapies to treat cardiovascular disease; the first product Niaspan, which raised HDL levels and improved the lives of millions of people. After selling Kos, he co-founded Vatera Healthcare Partners LLC, a New York City-based investment group focused on taking active positions in healthcare companies that develop innovative products for unmet and underserved medical needs in a broad range of therapeutic areas. In 1986, Michael and Mary founded the Jaharis Family Foundation, Inc. He was member of several non-profit and education boards: Trustee Emeritus of Tufts University, Chairman of the Board of Overseers for Tufts School of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center Board of Visitors, and Member of the Board of Overseers of the Weill Cornell Medical College and Graduate School of Medical Sciences. He and his wife were Benefactors of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Opera. They were Scholarship Sponsors of DePaul University College of Law in Chicago and developed the Mary and Michael Jaharis Center for Health Law at DePaul University. At Tufts University School of Medicine, they endowed the Jaharis Family Center for Biomedical and Nutrition Sciences, the Jaharis Family Chair in Family Medicine, and multiple Scholarship Funds. Through The Jaharis Family Foundation, he was also a Benefactor of Columbia University Medical College and Weill Cornell Medical College. He received an Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Tufts and Crown Award from Columbia University Medical. Proud of his Greek ancestry and Greek Orthodox faith, Michael served as Vice Chairman of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council, Founding Member of Faith Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism and Founding Member and Executive Committee Member of Leadership 100. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America made Michael an "Archon Exarchos of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle," one of the highest honors bestowed upon laity on behalf of His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Most recently, Michael and Mary directed their philanthropic efforts to supporting humanitarian initiatives to provide food, medical care and education to children and elderly living in Greece during the ongoing financial crisis and to support the refugee families fleeing to Greece. Michael Jaharis was a model of how to offer time, energy and intelligence in pursuit of a better world. He is survived by his wife Mary (nee Spyros), children Steven and Kathryn, and grandchildren Melina, Michael, Valerie, Wilder, and Ava, as well as by the millions of people whose lives he has positively impacted. Visitation hours and a funeral service will be held at the Archdiocesan Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity at 337 East 74th Street, New York City. Visitation hours will be on Friday, February 19, 5:00pm - 9:30pm; the funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 20th at 11:00am. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Rebuilding of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church or the Cancer Programs at Columbia University Medical Center.

Published by New York Times from Feb. 18 to Feb. 19, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL JAHARIS

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Dear beloved family of Michael Jaharis,
Dear Mrs Mary, Kathryn, Stephen and your families,
Hearing about the loss of our wonderful compatriot and great benefactor, Mr Michael Jaharis has deeply saddened us, the whole community of Agia Paraskevi and Lesvos are mourning. Your wonderful family is in our thoughts and prayers and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you.
Despite the loss of the physical presence of Michael, he will forever be in our hearts. The Jaharios Home for the Elderly, fruit of your family's hard work, is there to remind us of our brother, his unbelievable generosity, his wonderful heart and rare humanity. God will accept him with open arms for all the good he has done while he was on this earth and practised His word. God has assigned him to watch over you and your families throughout your life.
May Lord embrace you in comfort during this difficult time and grant you the strength to bear the great pain. Looking back on all the wonderful life you cherished together will lighten your pain.
With great respect and deep emotions,
The President of Agia Paraskevi, Lesvos

Georgios Makrogiannis

George Makrogiannis

March 8, 2016

Mike was a wonderful man who never let his tremendous success alter his humility and essential down to earth-ness. He was kind, full of common sense, an often salty sense of humor, and good cheer. When I was a young child, he made me aware for the first time that not all sports fans rooted for the Yankees and Giants - there were these other teams from Chicago! For a while I thought that this tall, broad, laconic, Midwestern twanging man was our very own Greek John Wayne. He was much more. Over 50-odd years his friendship with my family meant a great deal to all of us. Much love to Mary, Steve, Kathy and his grandchildren, in fond appreciation of Michael.

Alexi Kalogerakis

March 1, 2016

Dear Mary, Steve, Kathy and families.

Our deepest condolences. Michael was an exceptional person who in his quiet and humble demeanor dramatically improved the lives of so many. On a personal note he was the single most influential person in my professional life. Society shares in your loss.

Michael will forever be in our prays.

Anthony and Maria Cutie
Bridgewater, New Jersey

February 23, 2016

Uncle Mike It was so hard for me to say good bye to you :(. I will never ever forget your smile and that big laugh of yours the way you brighten millions of people's days your legacy will live on and in my dreams i will hear you talking to me . I know that you are listening and watching us all

Evangeline Douros

February 22, 2016

To Our Dear Jaharis Family,
The thought of saying good bye to our beloved Michael brings much sorrow. But the amazing works he has done throughout his life will now provide even greater beauty and happiness in Heaven. We will always pray for his soul as well as for God to give you all strength, comfort,and guidance.
With much love,
Peter, Aggie, & Evangeline Douros

Peter Douros

February 21, 2016

Dear Mary, Steve, Kathy and families.
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Michael.
Although we will miss him, we take comfort in the memories of all the holidays and wonderful special occasions we have shared together.
May God bless him and all of you.

Philip and Julie Polus

Philip Polus

February 20, 2016

Dear Thia Mary and cousins Kathryn and Stephen,

We are deeply saddened by our uncle's passing. Our uncle, Michael Jaharis, was a wonderful family man, exceptional member of society and a true philanthropist who granted help and support generously, and never forgot his special home Greece.
We will never forget his kindness. May God rest his soul in peace . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wishing you courage to ease your pain and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

With love and respect,
Your cousins from Greece,
Christos, Eleni and Stelios Tsohatsis

Christos Tsohatsis

February 20, 2016

.

Christos Tsochatzis

February 19, 2016

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Michael but he and his family will remain in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolence.

Melissa Leggio

February 19, 2016

Our condolences to Mrs Jaharis and the family. Michael was a strong supporter of Tufts Medical school. We will always remember Michael in our prayers. Love, John & Trudy Harrington

February 19, 2016

Mike was a truly wonderful, thoughtful and generous man. Indeed, he will be missed by so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. With deep respect and admiration,
Ellen Zane

Ellen Zane

February 19, 2016

Dear beloved family of Michael Jaharis,
Dear Mrs Mary, Kathryn, Stephen and your families,
Our hearts are filled with sorrow upon hearing the sad news about our great benefactor's passing. In this sorrowful time, we would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolences. Words may not suffice to express our grief. The community of Agia Paraskevi and Lesvos are mourning. Our beloved brother Michael has ascended to heaven, away from us, but closer to God, leaving loneliness and sadness. He was a man of distinguished humanity, generous, kind hearted, a true Christian who practised the word of God! We are all so privileged and honoured to have had the opportunity to meet him and receive his great benefaction. The Jaharios Home of the Elderly will offer warmth and hospitality to our community for ever, and will always remind us of Mr Michael's kind and gentle heart. A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, he will always be alive in our hearts and minds.
May God embrace you in comfort during this difficult time. May fond memories of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather strengthen you to bear the grief and the loss. Looking back on all the wonderful memories and the blissful life you cherished together will lighten your pain.
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
The President, the members of the Executive Committee, the staff and the elderly of the JAHARIOS UNIT OF CARE FOR THE ELDERLY OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF AGIA PARASKEVI LESVOU'





Athanasios Giannakellis
President

Jaharios Elderly Home of Agia Paraskevi Lesvos

February 19, 2016

He was the most honorable, ethical, decent, competent, compassionate , generous , kind ,innovating , and intelligent problem solver I have ever known. A loyal all weather friend of mine for twenty six years . He loved his wife ,children,grandchildren, Church, Hellenic heritage and helping others through scientific innovation with great passion. He has returned to the love and energy that created him. He lives in our hearts and minds forever. The foundations and benchmarks he has left leave a timeless legacy that will touch many lives for years to come. He is the closest human being I have ever met that I would call a living Saint . His legacy of love and sharing is eternal. Peter Michalos MD

Peter Michalos

February 19, 2016

I am certain he is continuing on his journey filled with love and joy,he is here with you and your family in spirit and memory, Such a fun, strong, thoughtful and kind man. His generosity goes beyond measure and he will be sorely missed

Vickie Jader Ciurcina

February 18, 2016

He was an angel on earth but had no wings. Fly high Mr J . We all will miss you terribly .

Minder of angels

February 18, 2016

I'm sorry for your loss. May you come to know the God of all comfort. He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)

February 18, 2016

It is with great sadness that I learned of Mike's passing. He was someone who I deeply admired and respected and he had a profound affect on my and my family's lives. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Andrew Koven

February 18, 2016

Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Michael Jaharis who was a great person and who treated everybody equal.
His immense kindness and generosity are beyond compared.
God bless his soul !

February 18, 2016

To my"Big Nouno,"
I will never forget you. You have been a very special person in my life and I pray for your eternal memory. Thank you for being who you are.Love you always!

Evangeline Douros

February 18, 2016

My condolences to the family of Michael Jaharis, may you all be truly comforted by the treasured memories of Mr. Jaharis in the presence of family and friends.

February 18, 2016

Dear beloved family of Michael Jaharis,
Dear Mrs Mary, Kathryn, Stephen and your families,
I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of our great benefactor, Mr Michael Jaharis. Remembering his wonderful, generous and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. May his soul be at peace with our Heavenly Father. May our Lord grant you the strength to bear the great pain, bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.
My most heartfelt condolences
Effie Dimosthenous
Municipality of Agia Paraskevi Lesvos
Greece

efterpi dimosthenous

February 18, 2016

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