When Lorain resident Zissis “Jack” Kalivas was 10 years old, he and his family lived in a cave atop a mountain in Greece during World War II to survive.
But what happened in his life years later, also was impressive.
Kalivas was a member of the National Intelligence Service, Greece’s version of the United States CIA.
Yes, Kalivis is a well known, highly respected and energetic Lorain resident with quite a story to tell.
And, his daughter Madalyn Matos likes telling her father’s story.
Lorain resident Zissis “Jack” Kalivas was 10 years old when he and his family lived in a cave atop a mountain in Greece during World War II to survive. (Submitted)
“My dad is learning Spanish as his 96th birthday approaches to keep his mind sharp,” Matos said. “He works out everyday, does push-ups every morning, goes to church every Sunday, and just a few days ago on May 5, he danced the Congo with me at a Mexican restaurant for Cinco de Mayo.”
Classified government work
In 1956, Kalivas was 26 years old and left Greece.
His neighbor made him a suitcase out of wood for his journey to Montreal, Canada, then onto Fort Wayne, Ind., where he studied engineering and then took a job in Connecticut.
In 1971, Kalivis moved to Lorain where he worked for nearly 30 years as an electrical engineer at Lorain Products.
Kalivas, a member of Lorain’s Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, did classified high tech work for Greece’s version of the CIA, before emigrating from Greece.
Zissis “Jack” Kalavis with his wife, Aspasia “Koka” Kalavis, pose in an undated photo. (Submitted)
He stills helps with the annual Greek Festival at Saint Nicholas Church on Tower Boulevard in Lorain.
By the way, Kalivas has four patents.
“My dad invented patents for electrical circuits, which are still used in electrical systems today,” Matos said.
Best advice
Kalivas met his wife, Aspasia, who family and friends call Koka, in Montreal before moving to Lorain to raise their three children: Matos, Tom and Demetra Meyer.
Kalivas and his wife were married 62 years before she died three years ago.
So, just what was Matos’ favorite advice her dad gave her?
“He told me before I went to college at Ohio State and Lorain County Community College, that these next four years will set you up for the rest of your life,” she said. “I took it literally that success can come with studying hard and work ethic, but also as a philosophy that college can prepare you to handle life’s struggles, sacrifices and challenges.”
Hunting for food in cave
Speaking of challenges, when Kalivas was a young boy, and his family lived in that cave high up on a mountain in Greece in 1942 trying to survive the deadly war, he said they had to start fires by rubbing sticks together and hunting for berries and food.
Kalivas also discussed his favorite food of all time.
“I love the Greek food pastitsio, which is a Greek version of lasagna and my wife’s pastitsio was the best,” he said. “It’s a comfort food with depth, but with bechamel sauce which is a delicious white cream sauce.
“I love Lorain and the people here, plus beautiful Lake Erie is such a pleasure, relaxing and it reminds me of home.”
Kalivas also like to attend the Saint Nicholas’s annual Drive-Thru Greek Festival which runs May 15 and 16.
However, he won’t be there this year; he’ll attend his granddaughter’s college graduation to cheer her on.