Andiraous Can

On May 20, 2024, Andiraous Can, age 70 of Clearwater, FL, passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in the rural village of Kerboran, Turkey on October 9, 1953 to Abraham and Meryem Can. His family moved to Istanbul when he was 7 years old, where he attended Greek primary school. Andiraous was a hard, dedicated worker – he began working when he was only 6 years old by getting groceries for people in his village, and a few years later became a jewelry apprentice. He emigrated to the United States in 1972 and settled in Brooklyn, NY with his brother and they worked together as jewelers. Andiraous worked in the New York/New Jersey area for many years and then moved to Florida in 2009. Although he worked as a master jeweler his entire life, the biggest testament to his life’s work was when he opened his own jewelry retail and repair store in 2016 with his wife Zakia. Andiraous had a passion for his work which showed through the many loyal customers who frequented his shop. Andiraous met and married his wonderful wife Zakia in the summer of 2003 in Syria. They spent 21 beautiful years together and enjoyed many sunsets together at Honeymoon Island, the beach near their home. Andiraous loved his wife’s cooking, watching soccer games on Sunday afternoons, and spending time with family and friends. He loved his time in Florida spent by the water, fishing, and walking along the beach. One of his favorite pastimes was playing (and beating others) at backgammon and he was famous for his barbecuing skills. Andiraous was a very faithful man – he dedicated his life to glorifying God in his thoughts, words, and actions. His favorite verse was John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” His family is comforted by these words, as they know he is now resting in paradise. Andiraous is preceded in death by his parents Abraham and Meryem and sister Cemile Ego. He is survived by his wife Zakia; his children Abraham Can, and his wife Toni, Gabriella Can, and granddaughter Madeleine Can; his siblings Rahel (Isa) Aldemir, Yakup Can, Viola (Zadik) Bethdavid, Sevim (Faris) Can, brother-in-law Simon Ego, and many beloved nephews and nieces. A visitation will be held Friday, May 24 at 7:00 pm. The funeral will be held on Saturday, May 25 at 10:00 am at St. Gabriel Syriac Orthodox Church located at 750 Sunset Ave, Haworth, NJ 07641. Interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Andiraous’ memory to be made to St. Gabriel Syriac Orthodox Church.