Vangel R. Zissi

Zissi, Vangel R. DMD, age 87, of Winchester, MA, passed away on December 24th, 2023.

Dr. Zissi was born in 1936 in Manchester, NH, to Dimitri Zissi and Anastasia (Theodor) Zissi. His three siblings predeceased him: Liria Petrides, George Zissi, and Valentina Zissi.

He attended Central High School in Manchester and received a BS in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire in 1958, where he was a member of the Men's Varsity Lacrosse team and a brother in the Theta Chi fraternity.

He graduated from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in 1962. Following his graduation, he became a member of the Navy Dental Program, where he was assigned to active duty at the Marine Corps Depot in San Diego, CA. He then served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He became Senior Dental Officer, First Battalion, 25th Marine Reserve unit, 4th Marine Division (1965-67), completing his obligation with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Upon his return from active duty, he returned to the Tufts School of Dental Medicine, where he received his certificate in Endodontics as one of the first 2 graduates of the program in 1967. He then joined the faculty, helped build the program, and mentored many of its graduates.

He was a principal in a private group practice known as Limited to Endodontics, where he stayed until his retirement at the age of 80. He was extremely proud of his practice and loved going to work every day.

He received the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Annual Alumni Association Achievement Award in 2007, the Distinguished Service Award in 2008, and the Provost Award for Outstanding Teaching and Service. In May of 2013, he was awarded Emeritus status. He has held the roles of director and president of the Dental Alumni Association and is also an emeritus member of the Tufts University Alumni Association. He was awarded the Faculty Sesquicentennial Award and, this past fall was awarded the prestigious Dean's Medal. He also served as a member of the President's Council of Tufts University. His service was not limited to Tufts; he was a past president, master fellow, and deputy registrar emeritus of the International College of Dentists.

He was active in his community, coaching all of his children's different sports teams over the years. He was an avid Boston Sports fan, enjoyed skiing and the mountains, and was a huge supporter and mentor of the Tufts University Men's Lacrosse program.

Dr. Zissi is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara (Reardon), his two sons, Jonathan of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, his son Christopher and his wife Michelle of Washington DC, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Eulalia's Church, 50 Ridge St., Winchester, MA 01890, on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 11:30 AM. Please go directly to the church. The interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts support The Dr. Vangel and Mrs. Barbara Zissi Endowed Scholarship or Tufts Men's Lacrosse. Gifts can be made out to "Trustees of Tufts College" and mailed to:

Zissi Scholarship

P.O. Box 3306

Boston, MA 02241

or

Tufts Men's Lacrosse

P.O. Box 3306

Boston, MA 02241, please write IMO Vangel R. Zissi in the memo line.