Harold Tseklenis passes away

Photo courtesy Downey Arts Coalition.

Sad news to report: Harold Tseklenis, an active member of the Downey community and a vocal advocate for the cultural arts, died Sunday afternoon.

The Downey Arts Coalition described Tseklenis as “a tireless voice urging city support for the Downey Museum of Art, the Downey Symphony Orchestra, the Downey Civic Light Opera, and the Downey Theatre. He gave untold hours of his time and raising donations for the arts.”

Tseklenis was born in Pyrgos, Greece and came to the United States at age 14. He and his wife, Anna, lived in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Germany and Sweden, before settling in Downey and raising their family here.

His civic involvement dates to the 1960s, when Tseklenis joined the Downey Symphonic Society’s board of directors. He also played a critical role in Downey’s annual Greek Festival put on by his church.

We’ll be writing more about Tseklenis’ life in the days to come.

Harold Tselenis, left, chats with Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard at the Downey Greek Festival in 2016.