Thomas T. Kallis, 89, Ohio Bureau Of Employment Services Manager
Thomas T. Kallis, age 89, of Lorain, passed away on Thursday March 8th at the New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph following an extended illness.
He was born in Lorain on December 4, 1922 and remained a life-long resident of the city.
Tom graduated from Lorain High School in 1941; following his graduation he worked as a yard clerk for the Wheeling and West Virginia Railroad until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942.
Mr. Kallis fulfilled duty assignments as a radar operator in the Pacific Theater where he was a crewman aboard the U.S.S. Idaho. He participated in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and was also present in Sagamiwan and Tokyo Bay during the initial phase of the Occupation of Japan and the subsequent signing of the terms of the Japanese surrender. Tom was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, the American Area Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal with two Bronze Stars.
Upon his return from military service Mr. Kallis attended Kent State University and ultimately received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration during commencement exercises in 1948.
He was employed by the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services retiring as manager of the Lorain office in 1983.
Mr. Kallis was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Lorain and was a 50 year member of the Order of the A.H.E.P.A. He was also a 50 year member of the Black River Lodge F & A.M., as well as American Legion Post # 30 in Lorain.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years Mary (nee Pappas), by his daughter Helen (John) Devitto of Jacksonville, Florida, by his son Thomas A. (Debbie) Kallis of Pataskala, Ohio, and by his grandson Matthew Devitto.
He was preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Helen (nee Kowalski) Kallis, and by brothers George and James.
Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain, where a Trisagion service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday at 11:00 a.m. in St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 2000 Tower Boulevard. The Revered Michael Gulgas, pastor of the church will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park where joint military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post # 30 and V.F.W. Post # 451 both of Lorain.
Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 2000 Tower Boulevard, Lorain, OH 44053 or to the New Life Hospice, 3700 Kolbe Road, Lorain, OH 44053.
Condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.gluvna.net.