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BORN
1931
DIED
2021
Dean Lomis, Ph.D. Obituary
Newark - Dean Lomis (born: Constantine Tsolomitis), age 89, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 13, 2021. He was a native of Gary, Indiana and the son of Greek immigrant parents Angelo and Helen Tsolomitis. Upon receiving his B.A. degree from Southern Methodist University he entered flight school, after which he proudly served as a U.S. Air Force Officer in Germany and Greece. After earning his M.A. from East Texas State University and Ph.D. from Texas A&M, he and his wife Toula moved to Delaware where they raised their family. As a Professor and Director of the International Center at the University of Delaware, he was actively involved with several committees and associations. Throughout his career Dr. Lomis mentored and influenced generations of students, scholars, and even the current President of the United States, Joe Biden.
His tireless promotion of Hellenism and leadership in the Greek American community is well known, including his role as Chairman of the American Hellenic Institute. He was a prolific writer who was full of ideas, authoring books, numerous articles, and his daily emails. He enjoyed interacting with people, even more when there was music and dancing and took pride in having traveled to all 50 states and over 100 countries. The dedication to his family, especially his grandchildren, was second to none. All who encountered Dean Lomis understood that he lived his life with purpose and passion.
Dr. Lomis is survived by Toula, his spouse since 1959, sons: Dr. Van Lomis and wife Deme Ann, Dr. Nick Lomis and wife Dimitra and Dr. Mike Lomis and wife Kimberly, and the joy of his life, eight grandchildren: Constantine A, Evan, Luke, Constantine N, Vasilios, Katerina, Alexander and Lindsey and by his sister and nephew Matina and Evan Spiliotopoulos.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 19 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 808 N. Broom St. Wilmington, DE 19806. Visitation is at 10:00a.m., which will coincide with the church's Divine Liturgy. Guests are encouraged to be mindful of the Divine Liturgy as they pay their final respects to Dr. Lomis. Funeral service will begin at 11:00am.
Interment will take place following the funeral service at the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Cemetery, 2504 Cub Hill Road Baltimore, MD 21234.
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic the traditional Makaria will not be held.
Dr. Lomis requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or to the American Hellenic Institute, 1220 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036.
To offer condolences, please visit:
www.dohertyfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dean Lomis, Ph.D.
2 Entries
Dale Edward Gough
February 18, 2021
When I was just a 'kid' starting in international admissions at the U of Maryland, Dean was a guide as my office began to create study abroad programs, something the U of Delaware had been doing since the 1930s. I am profoundly sad at his passing. My thoughts are with Toula and his sons.
Prof Louis and Joanne Arena
February 17, 2021
I was filled with unspeakable sadness when I heard that Dean had passed away. I've known Dean for over 50 years, 30+ at UD, and until last weekend, 20+ more. During his years at UD, Dean taught all of us using his own unique version of the Socratic method, i.e., he MOTIVATED not only his students, but also all of us to LEARN (almost any subject), and to do so PLEASANTLY. I know him as a genuine gentleman, one who lived simply, loved generously, and cared deeply for anyone whom he touched during his lifetime. We all love him (still do), his intellect, his voice, and his contagious smile and laughter. I have only one complaint about my relationship with Dean: it simply wasn't, in any manner of measurement, long enough. with all my love and profound condolences to you, Toula, and to your sons and their families,
Prof Emeritus Louis A. Arena (and Joanne). Linguistics and Cognitive Science Department. University of Delaware
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