Eli DeKasha Obituary
Born in Chicago to Deacon Bodakh and Miriam (nee Sleewo) DeKasha, Eli often regaled friends and family later in life with tales of his hijinks as a spirited, adored boy whose curiosity led to many adventures and more than a few bruises.
As a young man, he married Yasmin Youhanna, and together they raised four children, all of whom survive him: Zena (Orest) Panchuk, Georgette "Gigi" (Mark Whittington), George (Nicole), and Miriam "Mimi" (Joseph) David. During those years, he worked in global telecommunications, which allowed him to travel extensively with Yasmin, the love and light of his life.
Eli will be remembered for his caring nature: he loved his family above all else. He worked tirelessly to give his wife and children rich and vibrant lives. At the end of his career, he retired as an executive, respected in his field and valued for his civilian intelligence service. He spent his last years enjoying the company of his children, grandchildren, and wife, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.
In death, Eli rejoins his parents, his brother, Epfrim "Pete," and his sisters, Helen (George) DeKelaita and Katherine Nicolas. He will be missed by his wife, children, and loving grandchildren Taylor, Madeleine, Jack, Amelia, Evelyn, and Kent. Additionally, his life touched dozens of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss his spirit and charisma.
A visitation will be held from 4-8PM on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago. A funeral service will be held at 10AM on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at St. Andrew's Assyrian Church of the East, 901 N. Milwaukee Ave., Glenview. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Andrew's Assyrian Church of the East would be appreciated. For info, 773-736-3833 or www.smithcorcoran.com.
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