Constantine J. "Gus" Kermes entered into rest on Tuesday, May 19,2009 at Essa Flory Hospice Center. He was the beloved husband of Bessie Sarantopoulos Kermes. They were married for 57 years. Proud of his Greek Heritage, he was the oldest first generation son of the late John D. and Ekaterini Kermes, who were born in Smyrna, Turkey (formerly part of Greece). He will be greatly missed by all of his many friends and family who loved him.

An extraordinary artist known for his great range of prolific artistic skills, he was employed as an Industrial Designer  by Sperry/ Ford New Holland Machine company and received 24 Design Patents during his employment there from 1955 to 2004 and received a number of awards from the American Iron and Steel Institute and Industrial Design Magazine.

He was past president of the Landis Valley Museum Associates and the Echo Valley Art Group, and had 10 solo art exhibits at the Jacques Seligmann Gallery in New York City, as well as over 200 solo exhibits in galleries and museums around the US. His work was his art, and his art his work, and with seemingly tireless energy he produced many lovely, lively, pieces. A member of the Prestigious American Watercolor Society, this year his work was accepted in their National Juried Show, and he had a one man Retrospective Exhibit at the Lancaster Museum of Art. In a book published in 2008 "Work in Progress, he documented his 60 year Exploration as an Artist. He was a long time supporter of the Lancaster County Young Artist (formerly Scholastic Art).  A member of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, he was awarded Man of the Year by Philotochos Society, and was a member of the Lancaster #71 Red Rose Chapter of the AHEPA.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his twin daughters, Harriett, wife of Carl K. Shuman and Kathi, wife of Reed K. Dixon, a granddaughter, Abigail, wife of Jason Wechs-Shuman, and a grandson, Scott W. Shuman, two sisters, Mrs. Irene Kelly and Helen Meraklis of Pittsburgh, and brother Dr. James J. Kermes of Allison Park, PA. He was preceded in death by a sister Ann Argyros-Doulgaris.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Service from the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 64 Hershey Ave. Lancaster, PA on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 11am with Rev. Alexander Gousettis officiating. A viewing will be held at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pk. Lititz, PA 717-560-5100 on Friday from 5-7pm and again at the church on Saturday from 10-11am. A Trisagion service will take place at 7pm Friday night at the funeral home. Interment will be private and will be in Landis Valley Mennonite Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Gus's memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Dr. PO Box 4125 Lancaster, PA 17604. To send the family online condolences please visit, www.snyderfuneralhome.com