Alexander Kyriakis

KYRIAKIS, Alexander 94 passed away Saturday in the loving environment of Arden Courts. He was an accomplished chemist, a restaurant owner, an avid follower of politics and current events, an intelligent and meticulously educated man whose attention to detail was only surpassed by his gentle heart and love for family and friends. Professionally, he was best known for a two-decade career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, where he was a pioneer in polymer research who held several patents. He was born June 24, 1924 in Corfu Island, Greece, the only child of a jeweler and teacher. He grew up near the beach, swimming constantly in the Ionian Sea. He was 16 when his father died, so he helped run the family jewelry business during the World War II era of German and Italian occupation. His studies, which eventually produced a chemistry degree at the University of Athens, were interrupted by his service with the Greek Army, where he earned the rank of First Lieutenant. He began his career in Argentina, where he was married, then he and his wife moved to Cleveland, Ohio for new opportunities in 1957. He worked during the day and attended college part-time at night, earning a Master’s Degree at Case Western Reserve University, a prestigious research institution. His thesis was published in the American Chemical Society’s journal. In 1962, he moved to Akron and accepted a position at Goodyear, where he worked in the chemical laboratory, specializing in research and development. In 1981, he moved his family to Florida, where he built a shopping center and restaurant. After his retirement, he remained active through reading, working on his computer, cooking and gardening. He was proud of his professional life, but delighted even more in the accomplishments of his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Helen; daughters, Angela Johnston and Joanne Westmoreland; sons-in-law, Joey Johnston and Jim Westmoreland; granddaughters, Alexa and Kelly Westmoreland; and grandson, Joey Johnston. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 12, 1:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church with graveside service to follow at Sylvan Abbey. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or Suncoast Hospice.