Leonidas "Harry" Tzivani, 92, fell asleep in the Lord at his home in DeWitt NY with his family by his side on the morning of Saturday, March 3, 2018.
Harry was born in Endicott NY to Stavros and Dimitra Tzivanis (decd) who had immigrated from Turkey and Greece. He was one of 11 siblings. Harry married Anne Anthopulos (Anthis) in 1947 in Syracuse NY where they raised their family.
Harry left Union-Endicott High School before graduation and enlisted in the Navy. He was a veteran of World War II and a Bronze star recipient for his service in the Pacific.
He worked at GE in Syracuse and in Turkey as a radar technician until his retirement. In 2003 Harry received his high school diploma through a program for WWII veterans who left high school early to serve their country.
Harry was a beloved member of St Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church where he could always be found assisting priests, parishioners and guests with weddings, baptisms, funerals, cleaning, making coffee or playing his conga drum and singing at the Greek Fest. How 'bout that! In 2014 he was honored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for his lifetime of service. He was also an honorary member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society.
Harry was a dedicated volunteer for Syracuse University Athletics beginning in 1947 shortly before Ben Schwartzwalder's first year and continuing with the athletic department for the next 67 years. He was most noticeable in his orange jacket at the corner of the Syracuse basketball court near the visiting team bench.
He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Anne, son Steve Tzivanis (Barbara), and daughter Debora Politis. Grandchildren David Hammer (Amy), Anastacia Aragon (Pepe), Jeffrey Hammer (Miyoung), Bobby Hammer (Lindsay), Danny Hammer (Kate), Mia Zhang, Lucas Tzivanis, and Katie Tzivanis, 14 great-grandchildren, his loving Brother Tom Tzivanis (Florence) and Sister-in-law Niki Anthis along with many treasured nieces, nephews and Godchildren.
He is predeceased by daughter Athena "Tina" Hammer Zhang and nine siblings.
The family would like to offer their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Syracuse VA for their decades of excellent care and most especially to Harry's loving caregivers: Dana, Vicki, Shari, Nicole, Cathy and Kathy.
Calling Hours will be Thursday March 8 from 4-7 pm at Burns Garfield Funeral Home 3175 E Genesee St and the Funeral Service will be held on Friday March 9 at 11 am at St Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church 325 Waring Rd Syracuse NY.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church.