Obituary of Gust Kalapodis
The gates of Heaven were opened Sunday, March 11, 2018 to welcome a kind and loving man. Gust Kalapodis ended his brave journey into night and found the Light. He was a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, friend and teacher in life.
He lived by a favorite Bible passage: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return." 2 Tim, 7-8.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Efthalia (Koustopoulou) Kalapodis; his son, John G. Kalapodis; brothers, Bill, Ernest and Frank; and sister, Demitrula Rowley. He leaves to cherish and honor his memory, his loving wife, Frances L. Kalapodis; precious daughter, Georgene E. Kalapodis; beloved step-son, Larry and (Patricia) Lawson; dear step-daughters, Denise Ferrell and Susan and (Paul) Amato; sister, Katherine Morrison; sister-in-law, WanDora Thomas Smith of California; and brother-in-law, Gary and (Kathy) Thomas of Indiana. He also leaves his godson, Frank and (Lisa) Kalapodis; special nephew, Bill Kalapodis, Jr.; a large family and many friends who have enriched his life. The joy of his life were his grandchildren, Patrick Amato, Jonathan Ferrell, Lauren and (Chris) Thompson and Ashley E. Amato; and great-grandsons, Cameron Ferrell and Conner Reece Thompson.
Gust was a graduate of Akron East High School, class of Jan. '49 where he played football and sang in the glee club. He was a Beacon Journal paperboy with three paper routes that enabled him to help his Greek immigrant parents during the great depression. After graduation he went to Goodyear Apprentice School and became a journeyman machinist. He served in the Armyduring the Korean War in the Evac Hospital A.R.O. 180 in Landstuhl, Germany. He earned the rank of Sergeant in only two years and was a proud veteran. Gust attended the University of Akron and earned both BA and MA degrees in education along with certifications in accounting, labor relations and technical and industrial at Kent State University. He enjoyed singing in Theta Chi annual song fests, taking many prizes with his fraternity brothers over the years. After college he enjoyed teaching secondary education for 46 ½ years at Thornton Jr., YMCA Phoenix Program and North High School. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church was the center of Gust's life growing up. He had a beautiful tenor voice and enjoyed singing in the choir, attending choir conventions and for a time directing the choir.
During these years his work career included owning American Produce Company and Magic City Tavern. He also worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, PPG, but most important to Gust was working hard to raise five educated, productive children. Politics for good government was important to Gust and he was elected as Ward 4 councilman in New Franklin for 10 years. He worked diligently with Frances to help Franklin Township become a city for the benefits it provided the citizens of his community. He was a Precinct Committeeman and served on the Central Committee of the Summit County Republican Party as well.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, 11 a.m. at St. George Orthodox Church, 3204 Ridgewood Rd., Fairlawn, Ohio 44333 where he will lie in state one hour prior to service. Fr. Jerry Hall officiating. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Calling hours Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. Akron, Ohio 44301 where a Trisagion service will be held at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church Centennial Building Fund. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, Akron)
