Anthony Levenderis

Tony Levenderis, 95, passed away on July 29, 2024.

Tony was born in Akron, OH on April 28, 1929 to the late William Levenderis and Harriet (Kakis) Levenderis.

Tony graduated from East High School in 1948 and was active in the National Honor Society, Student Council, American College of Modern Weightlifting and the Caravan Staff. At age 14, Tony was a member of the East Akron Club with the American College of Modern Weightlifting and competed with the Barnholth and George brothers' winning many championships as a power lifter.

In 1950 he went into the Army, as a cook in the Korean War, and was discharged in 1952.

He then met his wife, Mary, and they enjoyed refinishing antique furniture, attending auctions, vacationing in the Outer Banks, NC and spending their time at their Portage Lakes home together.

Tony earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Akron, and then a master's in English at Kent State and taught for the Akron Public Schools teaching English, French and Speech. Tony was a meat cutter starting with Kroger, A&P and then retiring from the Fred W. Albrecht Company.

His hobbies during retirement were gardening, cooking and woodworking. He sold his vegetables with his granddaughter Halle at the Tallmadge Farmer's Market. Tony put his heart and soul into his summer home in Portage Lakes where he and his wife Mary called "paradise". He was a member of the Tallmadge Recreation Center up until age 90.

The light of his life was his granddaughter Halle. She brought such a smile to his face and enjoyed playing marbles with her, taking her for wagon rides, building snowmen and watching her compete in sports.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Vandever) Levenderis, stepson Jeff Levenderis and brother Emanuel Levenderis. He is survived by his daughter Melina Kalaman (Mike), granddaughter Halle Kalaman, and sisters Pope Rasmussen and Vicki (Nick) Parianos.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mulberry Gardens Assisted Living for the care they gave him where he spent his last years and to Akron General Medical Center for their care in treating his illness and especially to Altercare Post-Acute (Absolute Hospice) in keeping him comfortable in his remaining days with the service of their caring, skilled staff.

Cremation has taken place. In honoring Tony's wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. At a later date, a private celebration of his life will be held for family and friends.