Kenneth A. Dardis

Kenneth A. Dardis of Newbury Township in Ohio sadly passed away on April 12, 2024 at the age of 72 from respiratory illness. He was born in Cleveland and lived the majority of his life in Ohio. After graduation from Euclid High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and became a sergeant. Ken's career in broadcasting spanned decades. It started with on-air shows at various radio stations and involvement with  radio/TV advertising to working with various online companies and doing data analytics/research. He did a variety of audio work over the years with his wonderful voice. Among many other roles, Ken managed Metro Traffic in Cleveland, and he was instrumental in the development of sports-talk radio at WKNR, where he worked as production manager and met his future wife Irene in 1995. Ken loved working with computers and told everyone he took his first computer course back in 1968. Audio Graphics in 1996 was the first of his online endeavors. He also worked for Spacial Audio in online advertising, and later helped independent artists gain exposure to further their careers. Away from the computer, Ken had many other interests. One was a personal desire to perform at the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre; this was fulfilled when he landed the role of Leo Herman/Chuckles in "A Thousand Clowns" by Herb Gardner. Splitting logs for personal firewood in the beautiful outdoors of his home in Geauga County was a happy pastime, along with the laughter that 2 episodes of the TV comedy "Big Bang" brought him most evenings at 7pm. Ken was preceded in death by his parents Daniel & Marianne (née Pallante) Dardis and brothers Garry and David. He is survived by his wife Irene (née Garais), son Jeffrey (Stephanie), granddaughter Ariana, sister Dana Clark (Bill Nehls), as well as several nephews and nieces and their families. Ken Dardis was a loving, good-hearted man who will be greatly missed and forever in our memories. A Veteran memorial service is planned at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery on May 9th at 2:45p; a private family gathering follows.