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ANTHONY PAUL 'TONY' KAKOLIRIS
1968 - 2014
ANTHONY PAUL 'TONY' KAKOLIRIS
1968 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
ANTHONY PAUL 'TONY' KAKOLIRIS Obituary
Anthony was born February 4, 1968, in Chicago, the son of Paul Anthony and Sophie Kakoliris. He married Debra D. Dahlem September 25, 1993, in DeKalb.
Tony was a 1986 graduate of DeKalb High School; he graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in education in 2001 and a master’s degree from National Lewis University in educational leadership in 2005. Tony was a teacher at West Aurora High School and the sophomore baseball coach. He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in DeKalb and was an avid baseball fan and coach.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie; his son, Paul; his uncle Gus and aunt Katie Kakoliris of Addison; mother-in-law, Shirley Dahlem; two brothers-in-law, Dennis (Larisa) Dahlem and Don (Cheri) Dahlem; nephew, C.J.; nieces, Cindy and Kristin; a multitude of close friends who are considered family; and many former and current students and baseball players.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and father-in-law, Donald Dahlem.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 4, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 320 South Second Street, DeKalb, with Fr. John Artemas officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery, DeKalb,
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 3, at Anderson Funeral Home, DeKalb.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Anthony P. Kakoliris Memorial Fund for his son Paul’s education, sent in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.
October 28, 2014
Debbie,
I was so sorry to hear that you had lost your husband. You and your son are in our thoughts and prayers for strength to get you through this big life challenge. You have a strong positive attitude and even though it is tough right now, I know that you will get through this and both you and your son will thrive as a family. Love, Your Friends - Sharon and Dave Ball
Austin johnson
August 18, 2014
I just found out he passed away. That was my most favorite teacher. He had to go in for treatments. AMD his face would be red. I miss you so much Mr kak
Joe Schultz
August 8, 2014
Tony was a good man who loved baseball and his passion inspired many kids, we had many memories playing softball.I wish my condolences to his family
Mark Doherty
August 4, 2014
Please accept my condolences. I hope his family and friends will remember him how he was every time I had the good fortune of sharing his company: kind, friendly and smiling.
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Bob Cofield
August 4, 2014
Our time teaching and coaching together was brief, but memorable. One of the most upbeat, positive people I've ever met. Tony touched many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with loved ones, both family and friends, as you experience this emotional time.
Reed Vostal
August 4, 2014
Tony you will be deeply missed. You were one of a kind. Words cannot explain the sorrow I feel personally and for the Kakoliris family. I will miss our lunches together, football games, basketball games and staff meetings in your classroom. It will never be the same and I am blessed to have known you. Thanks big buddy.
lania jones
August 2, 2014
R.i.p. mr kak
August 1, 2014
Deb & Paulie
So sorry for your loss. Tony was a great man and will always be remembered for his love of his family and the game.
Tom & Jan Rutherford
Alyssa Beavers
August 1, 2014
I had him for freshman health 12 years ago. I remember him well. We called him Kak. He was always kind and respectful to all of us (even to the ones who probably didn't deserve it). Hope his family can find peace after his loss.
Tish Benberry
August 1, 2014
Dear Kakoliris family: I was shocked to hear of Tony's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers on your loss. I will never forget how kind, encouraging and compassionate Tony was to my late husband, Hershel, through all of his health challenges. His wonderful smile and sense of humor will be missed. He indeed touched many lives because he cared about his students.
Tish Benberry and family
August 1, 2014
Tony, you will be missed! You have made a difference with the Renner family
Robin, Diane and Brady
Mike Fleming
July 31, 2014
I have fond memories playing softball with Tony at Katz Park in DeKalb. He was a great teammate and he made the games more enjoyable with his sense of humor.
My heart felt condolences to Tony's family on his passing.
Bettina Adorjan
July 31, 2014
There have been many days that Tony and I would arrive or leave West High at the same time. I could be in the worst mood or half awake and his humor and award winning smile would have me laughing in the parking lot. He has touched the lives of so many. My heart goes out to his family and their loss of such a big daddy with a big heart. Tony made our world a better place.
Mike "Leo" Leonardi
July 31, 2014
Kako, it was always a pleasure to coach against someone with the same love for the game and the PASSION to teach it to your players like you did!!! You were 1st class ALWAYS!!! Just floored to read this!!! ALL MY LOVE TO YOUR FAMILY!!!
July 30, 2014
Our condolences,thoughts and prayers go out to all of Tonys Family and Friends. We are lucky to have known him. Sincerely, the Gaffinos
Matt Love
July 30, 2014
It is not the years in your life that matter, but the life in your years. Tony lived a full life and brought joy to those around him. West Aurora was blessed to have him. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Donna Klemm
July 30, 2014
So sorry Deb & Paulie! Our deepest thoughts and prayers. Tony will be missed greatly by all. You have a very special guardian angel to watch over you! Field of Dreams has another player. May God continue to give you strength and bless you always and forever.
July 29, 2014
I had not seen Tony in many years, I left West Aurora and began teaching in another district. This picture is exactly how I remember him, a big smile. When I was told he passed tears came to my eyes, what a sad day. My prayers are with his family.
Carol Voss (Donovan)
July 29, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family at this difficult time. Please find that God understand your grief and He cares.1 Peter 5:6,7.
Carol Wilson
July 29, 2014
Tony was one of the teachers I worked with at West. We shared the DeKalb connection. He was brave enough to ride with us Dekalb women to West Aurora. He coached my son at DeKalb then became a colleague at West. His smile and positive attitude always made West a great place to work. He will be remembered by those whose life he touched. Debbie may you always know how special you were to him. His family was EVERYTHING to him.
Zoë Wells
July 29, 2014
I went to junior high and high school with Tony, and was in band with him. His friendship lent much needed strength to the rest of my life. His life is a blessing to this world. May strength and love, support and surround his family and loved ones.
Richard Swann
July 29, 2014
Shocked and saddened by the news. Was always a pleasure to see Tony both on and off the field. My prayers go out to his family.
Fatima Acosta
July 29, 2014
I had the honor to have Mr.Kak as my teacher in high school. He made a huge impact in my life. You will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Tim Kane
July 29, 2014
I had the pleasure of getting to know Tony through coaching against him for a number of years. I always enjoyed the conversations we had and missed seeing him this year. He had such a positive influence on the young men that he coached. He will be missed. My prayers go out to the whole family.
July 29, 2014
We knew Tony as part of Paulie's Hot Rods baseball family. Such a nice man, who clearly adored his son and the game of baseball. So sad. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Owen's Family (The Zographos')
Marci McCarten
July 29, 2014
I haven't seen Tony in many years, but his smile is still bright in my memory. Rest in peace, my friend.
Carl Hunckler
July 29, 2014
Such a tragedy to lose someone who daily impacted those he came into contact with. Our deepest sympathy to all of your family.
NNHS Baseball Coaches
Angie
July 29, 2014
Mr. Kak
You were a good teacher and have touched many lives along your journey. I have never had someone leave such an impact on my life like you did. Everytime I would think of West I would always wonder if you were still there and if you were still teaching. I'm so glad you were one of my teachers. May you RIP now. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and any students that may have had him in the past.
Michael Perez
July 28, 2014
Blew my mind when I heard Coach Kak had passed away. Such an amazing man, teacher and coach. He will be missed greatly!
Karen Mallon
July 28, 2014
So sad to hear of this news. Will always remember Tony as one of the sweetest neighborhood boys back in DeKalb. Prayers to his family.
Wendy and Shane Krauch
July 28, 2014
Debbie and Family:
Shane and I are so sorry to hear about Tony. Prayers and special thoughts to you.
Joe B.
July 28, 2014
Mr. Kak,
You were a fair man on and off the field and in and out of the classroom. I will remember you as the teacher who always had a smile on his face and who had shown a true desire to help others learn and grow. You will be missed by many. You and your family are in my prayers.
Bayley Murphy
July 28, 2014
Mr. Kak, you are one of my favorite high school teachers. You made learning fun and I still remember leaving class each day with a smile. The kindness and compassion you showed towards me, as well as our class as a whole, will never be forgotten. You and your family are in my prayers.
Justin Northrup
July 28, 2014
I had lost touch with Tony over the years which I truly regret. Coach Kak was the big, big brother that I never had but always wished I did. A "small town" Malta boy playing on a DeKalb summer league team who soaked up all of his direction about how to get the most out of my piddly and unrefined baseball talent. He was such an guiding force for me inside the white lines as well as off. Tony was a caring mentor to me during the couple of years that I was fortunate enough to play under his direction. I am so very deeply saddened to hear of his passing and wish that I had made the effort to reach out to him to let him know what an impact he made on my life and how much confidence he had instilled in me over that time. I can surely imagine that his young boy will grow up to be man that his father was. You will be missed Tony Kakoliris and my heartfelt sympathies go out to Deb, his son and the rest of his family.
Katie Kinney
July 28, 2014
I only had Mr Kak as a teacher for one semester at West. But today, 8 years later, I still remember the difference he made in my life in the quiet ways he expressed encouragement for and confidence in all of his students. Praying for his family and thanking God for putting Mr Kak in my life.
Chris Ranallo
July 28, 2014
One of the greatest individuals to work with! Tony always had a smile on his face and brought so much joy to the room. He made me want to be a better teacher and it was great working with him for 2 years at West Aurora High School. You will be missed Tony. Thank you for everything and rest in peace.
July 28, 2014
We are so saddened by Tony's untimely passing. We will always remember his warm smile and positive attitude. He brought much joy to Paul's life; they had a very special bond. We will miss Tony sitting in the back pew at St. George's church. May his memory be eternal. May God protect his family. Gus, Dena and Soula Bahramis
Robbie Bilodeau
July 28, 2014
Kak, we met at the beginning of Ricky's freshman year at West. It was your first year teaching and he had the pleasure of having you as his Health teacher. We got to know each other pretty well that year and over the year's that followed. You were so much more than a co-worker, you were my friend. I will always remember what you said to me a couple of months ago when I had a scare medically. You told me..."You got this Billy"! I will miss our talks and your smiling face. My heart breaks for Debbie and Paulie but I know that you will always be there watching over them. You were truly one of the reasons that "West is Best"! I look forward to the day we meet again in "God's Country"!
Tim Simmons
July 28, 2014
Rest In Peace Tony. I'm sure that you are making everyone smile in Heaven. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Tom Kraus
July 28, 2014
Rest in peace, APK. Your gentle heart will not be forgotten. Thanks for being my friend...we'll catch up with each other somewhere up the road.
Maria Murray
July 28, 2014
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky Lindemann
July 28, 2014
Very sad to hear this news. My brothers and I have known Tony since Elementary school days. Thoughts and prayers to his family. RIP Tony.
Martha Jolly
July 28, 2014
I can't believe it..he was one of my favorite teachers ever. Always smiled, he was there when we had a crisis at West High and he held it together and made everyone calm. Wow, God Bless </3
Dawn Duffy
July 28, 2014
Our hearts and prayers to Debbie and Paulie. May beautiful memories help you in your time of grief. Remember love leaves a memory that no one can take. The Duffy Family
laurie robinson
July 28, 2014
So sorry to hear this news..Tony was always a fun loving person, and was taken way too soon.
Matthew LeMay
July 28, 2014
Tony, here's looking up to you in heaven where you may rest in peace. Shine light from above onto your family and you'll never be forgotten!
Shinette Williams
July 27, 2014
I've only known Kak a short time working at West High however; he always made me laugh and I enjoyed him. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
Erin Boudreau
July 27, 2014
I only met Tony and Debbie once, on a plane ride from Chicago to Philadelphia. They were on one of their many excursions to visit baseball fields across the US. We instantly clicked and have kept in touch for over a decade. The night before Tony passed I was at Safeco Field here in Seattle, for the first time since moving here eight years ago. I thought of Debbie and Tony while I was there, and was deeply saddened to hear of his passing the next day.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Tony doing what he loved best... Coaching :)
Maria Eliadis
July 27, 2014
Tony & Debbie
Maria Eliadis
July 27, 2014
Tony & the 1st grade moms
Maria Eliadis
July 27, 2014
Theo & Tony
Maria Eliadis
July 27, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and Pauly! Tony was an amazing man! He will truly be missed. We love you guys and are here for you.
Love~
Theo, Maria, Billy & Alexi Eliadis
Kristin Wicks
July 27, 2014
Tony was an amazing man who touched the lives of many people. He will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to Debbie and Paulie.
Phillip Robertson
July 27, 2014
God had other intentions for you my friend and fellow classmate so many will miss you for you have touched so many life's.
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2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
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