Constan Kanellos Obituary

Constan G. Kanellos ALEXANDRIA, VA - Constan (Costa) G. Kanellos died on February 17, 2016 in Alexandria, VA. His wife of 64 years, Annik de Goyon Kanellos died in October, 2015. He was born in Charleston, SC February 8, 1921 to Greek parents, George Constantine Kanellos and Olga Milonadakis, who immigrated a few years prior. He had one brother, John George Kanellos and sister, Cleo Kanellos, both of Charleston. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Hamilton Rodman Kanellos of Charleston, SC; two nephews, William Rodman and George John Kanellos; Molly Sasscer Kanellos; a grand-niece, Anne Hamilton Dulany Kanellos; and a grand-nephew, John Hill Carter Kanellos. He was a graduate of the College of Charleston. During World War II, he served in Europe in the US Army. In July 1945, he was one of 50 military personnel who received their honorable discharge in Paris and were the recipients of French government scholarships. He studied for one year at the Sorbonne. On his return, he received his MA in French at Columbia University in 1948. After a short stint at the Library of Congress, he joined the CIA in 1949. He served in responsibilities both at Headquarters and overseas. A medal ceremony at the end of his career states "his performance was marked by the highest degree of professionalism and dedication to duty as well as a deep concern for his colleagues. Throughout his career Mr. Kanellos consistently displayed mature strength, easy grace and coolness under pressure. His initiative, objectivity and loyalty won for him the trust of superiors and unanimous respect of his subordinates. Mr. Kanellos' overall career performance resulted in a substantial contribution to the mission of the Central Intelligence Agency, reflecting credit on himself and the Federal service". Costa was also a violinist. Both he and his brother John played in the first Charleston Symphony, as well as Charleston's first String Orchestra. Until the end he remained current in world events, often listening and reading the news in its native language. He could relay an event with flawless accuracy- geographically, historically and politically. He was known to his family and friends as a wise, compassionate and modest gentleman. He was a member of St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church. The visitation and chapel service will be held at Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA on Friday, February 26 at 11 am. Friends may call a half hour prior. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston