Obituary
Alexander Dennis Kallimanis departed his journey on Earth peacefully at 95 years of age on Tuesday, April 16th, surrounded by loved ones. Many were inspired by his incredible life and wisdom. His soul lives on in spirit through those he knew best.
Alexander was born in Pyrgos, Greece, a coastal city near Olympia (where the ancient Olympics began in 776 BC). He was a teenager during the Nazi occupation of Greece from 1941-1944, navigating the conflict from his family’s humble farm as the oldest of 9 children.
Alex D. went on to graduate from Athens Commercial College with a business degree.
After completing his studies, he served in the Korean War as part of the United Nations mission to protect South Korea, which encompassed 21 nations. He sailed aboard the USS General W.C. Langfitt with troops from around the world.
Following his return from the Korean conflict, Alexander became Athens Station Manager for Braathens, a Norwegian airline.
Alexander immigrated to the United States in 1953. His career peaked as an executive in the consumer services of airports, becoming Director of Airport Terminal Services across U.S. airports, including Washington National Airport during the 1970’s.
His name appeared in many trade magazines, newspaper articles and blog posts over the years.
Dad instilled a love of travel, history, languages, literature and the arts in his children. He believed we are all connected, regardless of our backgrounds.
He travelled to more destinations than most can imagine growing up, visiting 45 countries and 49 states during his lifetime – much of it prior to mass tourism and GPS navigation on mobile phones.
Alexander wrote two beautiful novels titled “Witness of my Time” and “Sixteen days until May.” His poetic writing was inspired by his extensive reading of influential books spanning thousands of years.
As art and education were important to him, his home resembled a museum. Throughout his life, he filled his houses with beautiful paintings, statues and artifacts he collected.
He helped raise 7 children and encouraged contact between them despite different upbringings – Dennis (Cheryl) Kallimanis, John Kallimanis, James Kallimanis, Evelyn (Gord) Boyce, Alexander P. (Bellinda) Kallimanis, Denise (Greg) Gardner, Preceded in death by Robert (Monica Vandeventer) and leaves behind many grand and great grandchildren.
Alexander was the oldest of 9 siblings. He is survived by siblings Maria (Dmitri), Panayiotis (Eugenia) Kallimanis and Zacharias (Viktoria) Kallimanis, who reside in Athens, Greece. He was preceded in death by siblings Christina (Oscar) Ruiz, George (Kanela) Kallimanis, Anna (Thanasis) Galani and Dimitri Kallimanis.
Alexander traveled internationally until he was 89 years of age, to the awe of many. He renewed his passport for another trip to Greece at age 91 and would have made it, if the pandemic had not shut down the world.
He loved visiting his homeland and was passionate about domestic and international travel. He also enjoyed visiting his family residing in Ireland twice, the Netherlands and United Kingdom up through his mid 80’s. He was a trooper who could walk for many miles. During his life, he also visited most of the US National Parks.
He relocated from Niagara Falls to the Orlando area with two of his children in 1988, his final move of many throughout his life. Central Florida was his home for 36 years.
During his later years, he also enjoyed spending time with his friend Kathy Lycett.
He will be deeply missed but always remembered through indelible memories. Kalo taxidi – Greek for “have a great trip” during his journey beyond our mortal world of Earth.
In lieu of flowers to the family, please consider making a donation to Seniors First Orlando in Alexander’s memory. Seniors First Orlando assists homebound seniors with a variety of critical care needs. We thank them, as well as many others, for their integral services to the community.
Celebrations of life are currently being planned in Alexander’s honor in Orlando and eventually in Greece as well.
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