Michael Peter Kalleres

Vice Admiral Michael P. Kalleres (RET) passed away July 18, 2010 after a valiant 5 year battle with cancer. Kalleres was born in 1939 in Gary, IN to Tula and Peter Kalleres. A graduate of Purdue & George Washington Universities, Kalleres served for 32 years in the US Navy. He was former Atlantic Naval forces Fleet Commander during Desert Storm. During his tenure as Commander, US Second Fleet in the Atlantic/NATO Striking Fleet, he commanded over 250,000 Navy, Marine, fleet forces of 10 countries, 300 to 400 ships, and over 2000 aircraft.

After retirement, Kalleres participated in many charities, was seated on several boards, and served as a senior advisor for Disaster Relief and Officer Development on the National Advisory Board of the Salvation Army. He has also been a military and international security on-screen consultant/analyst for local NBC and ABC TV affiliates.

During his naval career, Kalleres received 18 military awards and decorations including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. He also was the recipient of 7 major civilian awards including the Saint Andrew’s Medal for public service, awarded by the Greek Orthodox Church, and the Congressional Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He was invested into the Order of Saint Andrew as an archon by the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church and received the American Hellenic Institute Leadership Award. Most recently he and his wife were one of 20 couples awarded top philanthropy awards in Jacksonville, FL.

VADM Kalleres is survived by his wife of 43 years, the former Georgine (Cookie) Karras of Melrose Park, IL. They have two married adult children, Deme (married to James Sanford) and Peter (married to Jen (York) Kalleres); they have four grandchildren (Alex, Matthew, Skylar and Tanner).

VADM Kalleres’ viewing will be held at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday, July 20th from 4-6 p.m. with a trisagion starting at 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the church Wednesday at 11 o’clock. Burial will follow the service in Jacksonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army or St. John’s the Divine.