Obituaries
Harry P. Keares, 83
March 1, 1941 - January 05, 2025
It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Harry P. Keares, age 83 of Lancaster, PA on January 5, 2025 at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center. Loving husband, father and eldest of seven siblings, Harry was born March 1, 1941 on the island of Kos, Greece, to parents Petros and Maria Keares and step-mother Evangelia Keares.
An eternal optimist and adventurous at heart, Harry immigrated to the United States in 1956 seeking education and opportunity, making the three-week transatlantic voyage alone at the age of 15 without knowing a word of English. He settled in Lancaster where he lived with his uncle Apostoli and aunt Lillian. Always a hard worker, he often held multiple jobs during his high school and college years to help support his family in Greece and to pay his way through school.
Harry was a truly kind and honorable soul who, in his 83 years, never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He led by example exhibiting honesty and integrity, always looking for the best in people and was quick to offer a genuine smile and assistance to those in need. He instilled these qualities in his children and took great pride in their accomplishments and education; daughter Maria and Husband Jeff owners of Wyant Architecture and sons Peter and Nicholas, restaurateurs, brewers and distillers. He also loved the church and the Greek Orthodox Service and remained a lifelong member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Lancaster as well as St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Naples, FL.
An engineer and mathematician, Harry was always interested in the science and numbers behind how things worked. He attended McCaskey High School and, given his English language handicap, excelled at mathematics and physics. In 1964 he graduated from Millersville University with a degree in mathematics and minor in Russian language. Harry’s first job was at RCA, where he worked as an engineer as part of the team tasked with improving performance of the color picture tube, and he quickly excelled at process and data analysis. In 1968, after accepting an engineering position at Honeywell Corporation, he moved his wife Irene and young son Peter to the Boston suburbs where daughter Maria and son Nicholas were born.
As the first of his immediate family to arrive and establish himself in this country, Harry was very instrumental in helping his siblings travel to and adjust to living in the United States; the spare bedrooms in his home often occupied by his brothers and sisters as they arrived from Greece in the 1960’s and early 1970’s.
In 1975 Harry joined brothers-in-law Peter, Ted, George and Pete Skiadas in Skiadas Brothers Enterprises, a family company operating restaurants and gift shops in Pennsylvania. Harry learned the business and applied his systematic approach to managing operations at the Windmill Restaurant where his genuine smile and kindness made him a local favorite. In 1993, along with sons Peter and Nicholas, Checkers Restaurant in Lancaster was launched, followed by Doc Holliday’s, Gibraltar and Lancaster Brewing Company. Throughout his professional career Harry believed strongly in giving back to the community that supported him and his family, supporting local farmers, donating food and beverages and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for countless causes in central Pennsylvania.
Harry is survived by his loving wife Irene Keares (nee Skiadas); children Peter, Maria (Jeff) and Nicholas (Athena) and grandchildren Reni, Kelli, Harris, Rina and Effie. Harry is also survived by brothers Steven, Nicholas John, Costas, and sisters Christina Hatzivasilis and Eleni Kourgelis.
A viewing will take place Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm with the Trisagion Service at 7:00 pm at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 64 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603. A second viewing will take place Friday, January 10, 2025 at 9:30 am, followed by the funeral at 10:30 am; the service officiated by Rev. Hector Firoglanis and, brother of the deceased, Rev. Costas Keares, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 64 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603. Interment in Conestoga Memorial Park Cemetery, Lancaster, PA.
In lieu of flowers kindly consider a contribution in Harry’s memory to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 64 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603.
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Condolences to the Family
January 19, 2025
Dearest Irene, So saddened by the loss of Harry. We have wonderful memories of you two, the Dynamic Duo, restaurant hosts. You shined together, always. Harry was so lovable, and he adored you. May your memories of him, and the glorious years together sustain you and soften your grief. To you and your family, we send love and sincerest condolences.
Carole and Bruce Silverstein
January 10, 2025
To the Keares and ALL the Skiadas family, you have my deepest sympathy. What memories we shared! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Glenda King
January 10, 2025
Our condolences to your family
Carl Mary McClune
January 09, 2025
Heartfelt sympathy and love to the family.
Victoria Papavasilion
January 09, 2025
My sincere sympathy to the Keares and Skiadas families on the loss of Harry.
Harry was a good man and I always enjoyed talking with him at the restaurants. He always made you feel comfortable. He is in Heaven managing God’s Restaurants. RSP HARRY .
Jack Whalen
January 09, 2025
Harry was the most gentle person. He showed strength through love. He has his reward in heaven.
Anna Sideris
January 09, 2025
Sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing
Judy and Bill Silverstein
Village Grande
January 08, 2025
We only have the most wonderful memories of our dear friend Harry- all those years in Florida were the best of times. We are so grateful for our friendship with Harry and Irene. May his memory be eternal. With love, Andreas & Christine Petrakopoulos
January 08, 2025
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Harry! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time!
David and Francesca Ranalli
January 08, 2025
so sorry for your loss if I could do anything for you, please don’t hesitate
Albert. Abdala—Abby
January 08, 2025
Our Uncle Harry or “Theo Harry” was truly one of the kindest and most gentle souls. His constant smile, even in the face of all the challenges that he experienced with his Parkinsons, was a testament to his incredible spirit. Theo Harry’s happiness, and his ability to make everyone smile, were gifts that touched everyone fortunate enough to cross paths with him. We will miss you Theo Harry. Thank you for the countless memories that we will cherish forever.
Anthony and Kara Skiadas
January 07, 2025
May he RIP and always be remembered
Jim Kiaris
January 07, 2025
Our deep condolences to Irene and the extended family on the passing of your beloved Harry.
Harry left his grace, kindness, wisdom, and love with all he met. I felt a great peace each time I was with Harry. Harry elevated all those around him and he was the force to bring his amazing and prolific family to America from his native Greece.
Harry, we will miss you but you will live on in our hearts for the kind and giving man who gave so much and lifted us all to be our better selves.
May your memory be eternal.
Charlie Petredis & Family
January 07, 2025
Dear Irene, Peter, Nick, Maria, and the entire extended family. We are heartbroken 💔 to see the news of Harry’s passing. What a blessing it was to know him for over 30 years and to be made to feel like family. Memories are rushing through my mind of so many enjoyable times at all the restaurants and family weddings and special Greek celebrations. We send our deepest sympathy and our prayers for comfort to the entire Keares and Skiada families . Love you Harry. Rest in Peace.
Love, Glenn and Helen Ebersole
January 07, 2025
So sorry to hear about the passing of Harry. He always had a kind word and a smile whenever he spoke to all. May his memory be eternal.
Gust and Marcella Fotis
January 07, 2025
Extending my deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one. Prayers and condolences to your entire family. Sincerely Eliana Papadakis.
January 07, 2025
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the entire Keares family. We never had the honor of meeting Harry but the qualities he exhibited are certainly shining through his nephew Peter whom we are proud to call our new son-in-law. Please know of our prayers that God may grant you strength peace in this difficult time and that the Lord welcome Harry into his loving arms where he may rest forever.
With sincerest sympathies,John & Cathi Mezzopera
January 07, 2025
May god bless you all in this time of sadness. Harry was great boss with my time at the Windmill. Bless you all
Wilma Scott
January 07, 2025
Harry was a thoughtful and soft-spoken man with a penetrating intellect and a true zest for life and his family. He will be deeply missed.
Konstantinos T. Gus Patukas
January 07, 2025
George and I are so sorry the passing of your brother.May his Memory be Eternal
Asmis Sandy
January 07, 2025
We are sorry for your great loss. May his memory be eternal. Adam and Jeannie Kontis, Georgia Nicozisis
January 07, 2025
Dear family: we were saddened to hear of Cousin Harry’s passing. A good man. We are in Florida and regret we will not be able to pay our respects in person. You have our deepest sympathy. George and Judy George.
- Visitation
- Thursday, January 09, 2025
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
- 64 Hershey Avenue
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Friday, January 10, 2025
- 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
- Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
- 64 Hershey Avenue
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, January 10, 2025
- 10:30 AM
- Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
- 64 Hershey Avenue
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions >
