Gary Allen Kanara

Gary Allen Kanara, 70, of Simpsonville, SC, passed away peacefully at home June 1, 2020 after a 4 month battle with cancer. He was born February 23, 1950 in Elmhurst, IL to David and Leota (Lee) Kanara. He grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL and graduated from Glenbard West High School where he met his future wife, Pam. He attended Whitewater College in Whitewater, WI, and he then enlisted in the US Army, serving a one year Tour of Duty in Vietnam. He then married his high school sweetheart, Pamela Lynn Shirvis September 9, 1972, and they lived in West Chicago, IL, where he began his 40 year career in retail business and where their two children, Shane and Marilee were born. He and Pam relocated to Naples, FL, where many family members lived, which enriched all of their lives. With the rapid growth there, he enjoyed working with homebuilders, especially in flooring, painting and pool details, and he made long lasting friendships. They retired in SC. Gary enjoyed working in his yard, reading history, and especially being with his children and 9 yr. old grandson, Jacob ("Kiddo").

Gary is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pamela Shirvis Kanara, and by his parents, David and Leota Kanara and his brother-in-law, Daniel Addiss. He is survived by his son, Shane Kanara, Rochester, NY, his daughter, Marilee Kanara, her son, (his grandson), Jacob D. Kanara - Block, and Marilee's fiancé, Gareth Jones, all of Greenville, SC, Gary's brother, Michael Kanara (Susan), Winfield, IL, brother-in-law, David Shirvis (Janulee), Ocala, FL, sister-in-law, Nancy Addiss, Washington, NC, brother-in-law, Dan Shirvis (Claudia), Wheaton, IL, sister-in-law, Susan Mueller, Huntsville, AK, and many nieces and nephews, and his beloved cats, Thelma and Louise, all who will miss him greatly.
Arrangements are pending due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, however, welcomed donations are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project or to VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America).