Derek Alexander Kardos, 32, died unexpectedly on January 8, 2018 in Wyndmoor, PA. Derek grew up in Grand Rapids, MI and graduated from the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy in December 2003.
Derek was the owner of Classic Tree Care and loved doing his job and always made sure that the customer was completely satisfied with his work. In his spare time he enjoyed riding dirt bikes.
Derek never met a stranger because everyone that he met became a friend. He was kind, caring, fun loving, generous and he loved unconditionally.
Derek struggled with addiction for over 15 years and never gave up trying to free himself from this awful disease. It brings his family comfort knowing that his soul is finally at peace and that his struggle is finally over.
Derek was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Alexander Kardos, paternal grandparents, Vern and Dorothy Kardos, maternal grandparents, Rosemary Francis and William Horner and uncle, Kenneth Kardos.
Derek is survived by his two boys, who he loved so much, Alexander James Kardos and Christian Lee Curley, his mother, Theresa Adkison, sisters Casey Stevens and Ashley Kardos, and the love of his life, Samantha Tramontina of Wyndmoor, PA along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.
Derek was cremated and there will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at noon at the Ivy K Gillespie Memorial Chapel, 1865 Eastern Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, with Father Joe Fix officiating. Friends may meet with the family one hour prior to services at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow at the Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Avenue SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 from 2 to 4 pm.
Donations can be made, in Derek’s name, to Families Against Narcotics Grand Rapids Chapter, at www.familiesagainstnarcotics.org; please make sure to choose the Grand Rapids Chapter.