Chris John Sakelaris

Chris J. Sakelaris, 81, of Dayton, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in his sleep at home May 22, 2024. Having spent the previous day engaged by his passion of gardening and enjoying a grilled dinner on the patio watching a Cubs win with his wife of 53 years, Yvonne, who survives.

Beloved father of Kristyn (Peter Karas) Benton of Chicago, IL and Sally (Matt) Merkling of Ann Arbor, MI; cherished Pappou of Brooks, Mendel, McCoy, Macie, Olivia and Madeleine.

On November 16, 1942, Chris was born in Gary, Indiana to Greek immigrants, John and Jane (Leonakis) Sakelaris. He was preceded in death by his father, John, in 1970; mother, Jane, in 2006 and brother, Perry, in 2013.

In 1960 Chris graduated from Froebel High School in Gary where he earned a varsity letter as manager of the basketball team. He attended Indiana University and obtained Bachelors and Masters degrees in Elementary Education with additional study at Purdue University Calumet in Library Science Media. He worked his way through college with positions at US Steel during the summers. After graduating he began work as an elementary teacher and in library media while teaching English as a Second Language in night school. His dedication to education coupled with a charismatic and outgoing personality led him to a career in educational sales for almost 50 years. His final position, with the nonprofit Great Books Foundation in Chicago, Illinois, was one he considered the most rewarding of all.

There was nary a word that could not be traced to Greek origin, a pot unplanted nor workout missed at the Washington Township RecPlex with his morning crew. An expert water-bottle-maker for myriad soccer games and tennis matches and, in more recent years, a crafter of bespoke birdhouses emblazoned with his portrait. The consummate storyteller, if you knew him you were regaled with embellished tales of the old neighborhood on 47th Avenue, the Jesters, roommates of yore and sayings his father had conveyed in a heavy Greek accent. He loved traveling internationally with Yvonne and meeting new people on their journeys.

Chris was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend.

In a final reflection of his commitment to education, it was his decision to donate to the Anatomical Gift Program at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in order to enable medical students, nursing students, physicians and medical researchers the opportunity to learn about the structure and function of the human body.

A celebration of life will occur on Wednesday, July 10th from 2-4pm at Tobias Funeral Home at 5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Chris’s name to The Great Books Foundation.