Dr. Louis Marco Trefonas

TREFONAS, DR. LOUIS MARCO June 21, 1931 - March 02, 2006 Louis, 74, a resident of Rhododendron, OR for the last five years, died Thursday morning in a Portland hospital after a prolonged illness. Born in Chicago, IL, he and Gail Thames were married on November 10, 1957 in Chicago, IL. He retired in 1999 as a Chemistry Professor with the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland, OR, and a long-time member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Orlando. He lived a full life and married a beautiful woman who adored him. He was respected and loved by his children and grandchildren. He was esteemed by his peers and students. Louis will be sorely missed and never forgotten. Louis earned a Master of Science in Chemistry in 1954 from the University of Chicago, and his PhD in Chemistry in 1959 from the University of Minnesota under the Nobel Prize winner William N. Lipscomb. He served as Professor and Chairman of Chemistry at the University of New Orleans for over two decades where he pursued his research in crystal and molecular structures. He later served as Vice President of Research and Graduate Dean at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He is best known for his studies of the chemistry and structures of cancer causing chemicals, and maintained a long professional affiliation with the American Cancer Society, Center for Research & Education in Optics & Lasers (CREOL), Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), and the UCF Arboretum (ABLS). He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of 48 years, Gail Trefonas, Rhododendron, OR; son and daughter-in-law Peter and Heidi Trefonas, Medway, MA; daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and Nick Keller, Castro Valley, CA; daughter Jennifer Trefonas, Seattle, WA; son and daughter-in-law Mark and Monica Trefonas, Sandy, OR; son and daughter-in-law Paul and Randi Trefonas, London, UK; son and daughter-in- law Jason and Elisabeth Trefonas, Jackson Hole, WY; eight grandchildren, Alexa, Alexander, Andrew, Brandon, Payton, Peter, Sierra, and Tiffany; one brother, Peter Trefonas; one sister, Katherine Stathakos, both of Chicago, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews. Louis was preceded in death by both parents, Peter and Eugenia, and brother, George. Wake from 4-9PM, Sunday, March 12, 2006 at Salerno's Galewood Chapels. Services 10AM, Monday, March 13, 2006 at Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, Chicago, IL. Officiating, Father Chris. Interment 1:30 PM, Elmwood Cemetery, Chicago, IL. Arrangements are by Helenic Funeral Services, Nicolas Pishos, 1857 N. Harlem, Chicago, IL, at 773-889-1700.