Jaan Kangro, born September 5, 1944 passed unexpectedly and peacefully on May 24th 2017 at his mother’s home in Hillsboro, Ohio. Jaan was one of two children born to Jaan Paul and Evi (nn. Tannberg) of Estonia as his parents were fleeing from occupied Estonia. Jaan is predeceased by both his father, Jaan Paul and sister, Helle Volmer. Jaan is survived by his mother, Evi, three children, daughters Merike and Linda, son Jaan Karl. He was very close to his sister’s sons, Paul and Heino Volmer. Loved by his nieces Ingrid, Kersti, Erika, Heli and Liivi and their families.
Jaan spent his first few years in a German displaced peoples camp. He came to America with his 2 grandmothers and one grandfather, mother and father, at the age of five and grew up on Long Beach Island, Long Island, New York. As a young adult he became involved with the New York Estonian community, becoming an excellent dancer in the Saarevikat Estonian Folk Dance troupe. He traveled to numerous Estonian Festivals where he eventually met and married Leena (nn. Raidma ) They were married 30 years and had three children, Merike, Linda and Jaan Karl. Merike and Linda live with their mother in Connecticut and Jaan Karl now lives in Estonia with his wife Ragne (nn. Olvet ).
Jaan was a graduate from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, earning a Bachelor and Master Degree in Architecture. He worked in numerous architectural firms in the New York, Connecticut area, as model maker, designer and project manager in his 40 plus years as an architect, a work he loved. After his retirement he moved temporarily to Hillsboro Ohio to assist in the care of his mother, Evi. He was the sole caregiver after his sister, Helle, passed away. He spent many hours with his mother at the Hillsboro Senior Center where he eventually became involved with the Hillsboro Art Guild and rekindled his love for art. He was a natural and had some of his art work entered in local shows winning awards. Many of his art works have become cherished possessions of his family and close friends.
Jaan will be placed to rest in Kensico Cemetry in Valhalla New York along with his three grandparents and father, on June 10that 10:30am with a wake luncheon to follow at Valhalla Crossing.
Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends.
Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.