John Kandray

CANFIELD - Prayers will begin Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Church for John Kandray, 88, who died Saturday afternoon at his home.
John was born Dec. 13, 1924, in Eldersville, Pa., the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Klouse) Kandray.
John served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving 29 months aboard the U.S. North Carolina. He and his crew members took part in 12 invasions from the Philippines to Guadalcanal and Tokyo Harbor. He was awarded a 60 plus year citation award from the U.S. North Carolina Veterans Association.
Mr. Kandray was a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 396, working as a HVAC serviceman before retiring. He was a member of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, St. Charles Church and a charter and lifetime member of the Mahoning County Coon Hunters Club. An avid outdoors man, John enjoyed hunting, polka dancing and rooting on his Steelers.
He is survived by his wife, the former Thyra "Chibe" Clark, whom he married Jan. 3, 1947; four sons, John Steve "Jack" (Jeanette) Kandray of Columbus, William Russell (Maureen) Kandray of Boardman, James Keith (Sue) Kandray of Lisbon and Edward H. (Diane) Kandray of Boardman; a brother, William Kandray of Alliance; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a grand-daughter, Jennifer Kandray; two sisters, Betty Black and Ann Kophazi; and two brothers, Steve and Joe Kandray.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.
Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this tribute and to send condolences.