Harold Elias Kaniaris (1947-2024)

Harold Elias Kaniaris, 76, passed away of natural causes on Sept. 12, 2024 in Ormond Beach, Florida.

Born in Youngstown, Ohio, on Oct. 12, 1947, to Elias Charalambous Kaniaris and Elizabeth Ann Kaniaris, the Kaniaris family relocated to Saint Augustine and Daytona Beach, FL where Harold established lifelong roots.

Harold graduated from Saint Augustine High School, attended Florida Military School and became a proud member of the Florida National Guard from 1973-1981.  Professionally, Harold established himself as a great leader and mentor in the automotive industry, working with Gary Yeomans Ford and the AMSI family of dealerships, a storied and incredible career spanning nearly 40 years where he built lifelong friendships.

Harold's greatest passion in life was his family.  His love and adoration for his wife, children and grandchildren were his greatest motivation.  He loved traveling with his family to the Great Smoky Mountains, Greece, France, Italy, Aruba and so much more. He loved to bring people together, friends and family from near and far to celebrate life.

Harold held an abundance of friendships and made all that knew him feel his light, love, compassion and humor.  He wanted everyone to be the best version of themselves.

He was so proud of his Greek heritage, was a parishioner of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and held a deep love for The United States of America.

Harold was preceded in death by his sister, Betsy Feaster, his father, and his mother. He is survived by his loving wife, Victoria; his children Kristine (Michael) Drummond, Elias (Franymar) Kaniaris, Nicholas (Tina) Kaniaris, and Alexandra Kaniaris (Alec); his brother Petros (Jennifer, Elias, Evyenia, George) Kaniaris; and grandchildren Ashley, Austin, Eden, Elena, Elias, Ellie, Eva, Kaylee and Sophia.

The visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with a Greek Orthodox Trisagion prayer at 7:30pm. at Lohman Ormond Funeral Home on W. Granada. The funeral will be held on Friday, Sept. 20 at 10:30am at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church with a service to follow at Hillside Cemetery in Ormond Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Harold's honor to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, local area homeless shelter facilities and The Humane Society.