Chris D. Kehas

Dr. Chris D. Kehas, 91, of Manchester, NH passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 18, 2020.

Born in Manchester, NH on April 21, 1929, he was the son of the late Demetrios, "James" and Fotini (Malakis) Kehayas, "Kehas". Chris was a graduate of Maynard School and Manchester High School Central, Class of 1947, where he served on the Student Council and as Chair of the Assembly Committee. He was also Sports and Music editor of The Little Green, and received the French Award. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in El Paso, TX.

After proudly serving his country, Chris enrolled at the University of New Hampshire, where he received his B.A. in Political Science, Summa Cum Laude. He went on to receive a M.A. with Honors in Educational Psychology from the University of Chicago and a Doctorate with Distinction in Counseling Psychology from Harvard University where he was a board member on the Harvard Educational Review.

Chris's life's work was centered around education. During his distinguished academic career, Dr. Kehas held faculty, administrative, and research appointments at Harvard University, the University of Chicago, Claremont Graduate University, and Boston University, from where he retired as Professor Emeritus.

He participated in the UNESCO International Study of Education as a consultant on Human Development. He authored three sections in the first edition of the International Encyclopedia of Education. He served as National President of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES). He held a Psychologist License and NH Superintendent of Schools Certification. His extensive community involvement included service as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Notre Dame College and two terms representing Ward 3 on the Manchester School Board (where he chaired the committee that developed the Student Code of Conduct).

In addition, he served on the Mayor's Office of Youth Services, the Girls Club of Manchester and the Governor's Commission on Crime and Delinquency. He founded Manchester High School Central's Alumni Network, and chaired Central's Sesquicentennial celebration in 1996, serving on all reunion committees since then. He received the Spirit of Manchester Award in 1998 for his dedication and commitment to the city and was inducted into the Manchester High School Central Hall of Fame in 1998. His Central Pride was unwavering and unmatched. He truly bled green.

Chris was a lifelong member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Manchester, NH. He served on the Board of Directors for St. George and worked the annual Glendi celebration alongside his wife, Helen and sister-in-law, Vasilike Isaak.
Chris was a devoted husband to his loving wife, Helen. The couple celebrated 62 years of marriage in September. He was affectionately known as "Uncle" to his loved ones, always sharing his wisdom, his love and generosity. He was an avid sports fan always cheering on the Red Sox, Celtics and many other local teams, both professional and collegiate. He loved to visit horse race tracks, especially with his late friends Joe Poulos and Phil Plentzas and frequently visited local casinos with family and friends. He proudly cheered on his nieces and nephews from the sidelines of their many athletic competitions, and enjoyed following the careers of local athletes and coaches in the college and professional ranks.

He enjoyed spending time at his family's summer home in Rye Beach, NH, recently completing construction on a new house this fall. Chris also was a frequent patron of the Puritan Backroom restaurant in Manchester and delighted in his roundtable dinners with friends.

Dr. Kehas will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving uncle, dedicated friend, selfless, humble and kind. Legendary English teacher from Manchester High School Central, Selma Naccach-Hoff, said it best: "Our community has lost one of its very best. He is an icon of intelligence, kindness, and dedication to those things that mattered most: family, friends, making society better and, of course, his alma mater Central."

Chris is survived by his wife Helen (Margomenos) Kehas, of Manchester, NH; niece Andrea (Isaak) Elliot and her partner David Fletcher of Manchester; niece Stephanie (Isaak) Ricchi of Manchester; niece Judy (Kehas) Aiken and her husband Doug Aiken of Florida; nephew George Kehas and his wife Monika of Manchester; niece Janice (Kehas) Kelleigh of Amherst; and niece Elinor (Ferretti) Kehas of Manchester. He will also be remembered lovingly by his grand nieces and nephews: Nicole (Vailas) Lane and her husband Matthew and their sons, Ryan and Benjamin of Greenland, Zachery Elliot of Manchester, Christina Dooley of Braintree, MA, Charles J Dooley, III of Irvine, CA, Stephanie Kehas of Manchester, David Kehas and family of Bow, Christina (Kehas) Tolmie and family of Ojai, CA, Arthur Kehas and family of Lebanon, NH; and his godchildren Perry Bantis, George Bobotas, Andrea (Bobotas) Love, Cosmos Saitas and Joan Dekilas Sparkman.

Chris was predeceased by his brothers George, William and Arthur, sister-in-law Vasilike (Margonmenos) Isaak, nephews Stephen Kehas and David Kehas and niece Roberta Kehas.

The family understands what Chris meant to his many friends. Under no circumstance should anyone feel obligated to attend his calling hours. Your safety and comfort is our main concern, and we respect all decisions.

Calling hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, corner of North St, will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 pm, with the Trisagion service to be held at 6:30 pm. All attendees are asked to wear masks and maintain social distancing. A socially distant funeral service in St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral will be held on Wednesday at 11 am. Masks are required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Central High School Alumni Network for the Dr. Chris D. Kehas memorial scholarship to be established, Care of Central High School, 535 Beech Street, Manchester, NH 03104. To send an online message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.