Alexander Kantralis

Alexander Kantralis, 97, of Corpus Christi, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2023 with loved ones at his side.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 4, 1925 to Markos and Chrisy Kantralis. Alex graduated from East Technical High School in Cleveland and worked at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (precursor to NASA). He served in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers during WWII, from 1944-1946 in Spokane, Washington. In 1948, Alex moved to Houston, Texas to study heating and air-conditioning at the University of Houston.

It was in Houston where Alex met the love of his life, Kiki Gatzoulas; they married in 1955. In 1957, Alex became a father and went on to raise four beautiful children: Mark, Pam, Karen, and Greg. During this time, Alex opened a successful air conditioning contracting business. While living in Houston, he was an active member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  He also served on the Board of Trustees.

Alex and Kiki moved to Monroe, Louisiana in 1984. During the 15 years in Monroe, Alex opened up the Bagel Bakery with his loving wife, Kiki, and youngest son, Greg.

In 1999, Alex and Kiki moved to Corpus Christi to be closer to family. Alex enjoyed spending his time going for pre-dawn walks, reading the newspaper cover to cover, reading his Bible, attending all of his grandchildren’s sporting and academic events, and cooking his famous AK special for his grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and considered those the most important roles in his life. He was an active member, and served as an Elder, at Jackson Woods Presbyterian Church.

Alex’s Christian faith sustained him throughout his life.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Kiki; his father and mother, Markos and Chrisy; his sister, Sophie; his son, Mark; and his granddaughter, Alicia.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Pamela Immitt (Jim), Karen Karagas (Mike), and Greg Kantralis and his grandchildren, Demetri, Nick (Brittany), and Ally Karagas; Adrian and Angela Immitt; and Macey Kantralis.

His family expresses endless gratitude to Amanda Carrion for the loving care in his later years of life and for the compassionate care and love from Edna and Jerry Garza at the end of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested remembrances be made in the form of contributions towards the hospice care home where Alex spent his final years. The respect, care, and love Alex received while in hospice was such an important part of his life, and for others to continue to be cared for in this way will honor Alex's memory.

Donations will be collected in two forms and then presented to the hospice home.

Mail to:

Karen Karagas

13715 Hillwood Trl.

Corpus Christi, TX 78410

Venmo:

@Karen-Karagas

A visitation will be held from 12:00pm - 1:00PM, on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 with the funeral service to begin at 1:00PM at Sawyer-George Funeral Home. The interment will follow the funeral service at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery.