Ross 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 OH) St. Tikhon's Monastery (S. Canaan PA) Holy Trinity (Jordanville NY) 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 NY) niece Dr. Maria Nedwidek (New York NY) nephew Jaime Biondo (Las Vegas NV) grandniece Ilonna Biondo and grandnephew Lorenzo Biondo and cousins in Athens Rhodes Greece Paris France and Australia. Ross's sister Julia Biondo (retired teacher Akron OH) passed away a year ago. Funeral services 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.