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Anthony Ellenikiotis Obituary

Dr. Anthony J. Ellenikiotis
January 21, 1959 - July 11, 2021
Dr. Anthony J. Ellenikiotis was a very proud father of four wonderful children, a prominent orthodontist and entrepreneur for 34 years, and a full clinical professor and chairman of admissions at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in the Division of Orthodontics for 25 years.

Anthony was born of Greek immigrant parents, Yianni and Eleni, who raised three children, Pauline, Anthony and Jim in Hillsborough, CA. He worked and achieved in every aspect of his life, embracing his Greek culture and his many friends and family who he so loyally and passionately cared for throughout his life. He attended the University of California Santa Barbara for his undergraduate degree, then earned his D.D.S. at the University of the Pacific and then his M.S and certificate in Orthodontic Occlusion-Temporomandibular Articulation Management and Full Mouth Restorative Dentistry, at Georgetown University.

After graduating from Georgetown University he opened his orthodontic practice in 1987 in Saratoga, CA and opened a second office in Willow Glen, CA in 2005. He practiced with excellence and great attention to detail for thousands of patients throughout his career. Known by his patients as Dr. E, he was greatly respected for his expertise in the community and well known for his patient care and for creating gorgeous smiles and lifelong oral health for all of his patients throughout California and the Bay Area.

In addition to his practice, he was fully committed to teaching and mentoring. He taught many years for the Roth Williams Institute before joining the teaching faculty at UCSF, where he taught and mentored over 125 orthodontic residents for the tenure of his career. Many of his residents held associate positions in his practice to further develop and learn from Dr. E. As Chairman of Admissions in the Division of Orthodontics, he was passionate about attracting the very best residents from across the country. He was deeply dedicated to his teaching at UCSF and the Orthodontic profession and established the Anthony J. Ellenikiotis Scholarship Endowment in the Division of Orthodontics at UCSF. He was recognized by the University for his generous contribution and for being the first to establish such an endowment to financially support future orthodontic residents.

Additionally, he was an artist in his practice and at home, where he showcased his paintings and decorative arrangements and created a magnificent and beautiful garden including a fruit orchard, olive orchard, vegetable garden, and a vast array of colorful flowers and plants that provided a retreat for his family and friends.

With all of these accomplishments and achievements, his greatest passion, focus, and love was for his four children, Eleni, Soula, Yianni, and George, as well as his "other four children", their spouses, David, Rocky, Victoria, and Kelsie. Whether he was speaking to friends, family, colleagues, patients, residents or staff members at restaurants, airports, or vacation resorts, he spoke so highly of his children and their accomplishments. He would always share that he had eight amazing children, four were doctors at UCSF and four worked at Google. He was devoted to family above all else and was adored and loved by his children who regarded him the world's greatest dad.

After a heroic 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer, his legacy lives on in every aspect of his life. He loved fiercely and without condition and he was loved, and will be loved, in the same way by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Trisagion (Wake) will be held at 7pm on Thursday, July 15, 2021 followed by a Funeral Service at 2pm on Friday, July 16, 2021. Both services will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross, 900 Alameda de las Pulgas in Belmont, CA. Interment at Greek Orthodox Memorial Park in Colma, CA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 14 to Jul. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Ellenikiotis

Sponsored by Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

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Pete Groves

January 9, 2024

My friendship with Tony goes back to 1984-85, when Tony was at Georgetown Dental School. Tony was a housemate of mine in a big house with a total of 7 grad students living there on the corner of Lorcom Lane & Lee hwy in Arlington, VA. It was a typical Washington DC area group house with all of us from different parts of the U.S., in our early to mid-20s, attending different grad schools, and ambitiously moving along on our career plans.
So I was sitting at the table this rainy AM in Arlington telling my wife about places I lived around here, and that got me thinking about Tony and decided to look him up...
...and was very saddened to come across the news of his passing in July 2021.

I only knew Tony for 1 academic year but he had a warm - big hearted, pleasant personality who you felt like you already knew because he was so welcoming. Great guy to hang out with because he could converse on just about anything & everything.

Tony was such a sincere, genuine, friendly, warm personality type of guy that always made you feel very comfortable to be around and no matter the mood or situation you were in Tony's bright side attitude towards life always had a positive affect on people who were in his presence.

While in grad school at GWU in fall of '84 I was getting up at sunrise for training runs months in advance of the Marine Corps Marathon and very often Tony would be up since he was a dedicated daily weight lifter and I'd cross paths with him in the group house kitchen and of course we'd talk about whatever's going on.
Tony saw that I didn't have specific running shorts or a singlet, just cotton t-shorts & shorts, and asked me about it which I shrugged off as no big deal.
Then about a week before the marathon he said he had a real good singlet & shorts for me which were excellent and I wore in the one & only marathon I've run. And in my framed marathon photo sitting on the bookshelf I always see the shorts & singlet Tony gave me and I always think about what a generous, friendly, great guy Tony is, because his spirit of positivity lives on in all the lives he touched with his.

May his memory always be a blessing.

Maddisen pencer

June 20, 2023

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. E during my middle school years, and he was truly one of the greatest individuals I've ever encountered. He not only helped transform my smile but also assisted me in gaining confidence. His laughter and genuine interest in everyone's well-being, along with his generous gifts to patients during Christmas, will always stay with me. Although he is dearly missed, his legacy lives on through his amazing practice and family, who continue to uphold his values.

Mark Stasi

February 14, 2023

Tony,
You are loved today and my thoughts and prayers are with your wife and family. God bless you and your family. It still gives me tears to see you're not with us here. You accomplished so much in life, God had other plans for you with him. See you then.
Mark

Mark Stasi

July 5, 2022

I was just thinking about you yesterday, July 4th, Tony!!! And this reminder was in my mail this morning! I was remembering how much you loved life and how being outside in the Colorado sun yesterday, I recalled how much you loved to visit Greece. Tan and handsome. I also felt so sad, although we were not close friends, we made a connection and I feel the loss...you were blessed with many gifts and it pains me to know such an amazing person is not with us. God Bless Tony. See you someday...

Jack Ehlen

November 27, 2021

Tony and I sat together in lab throughout dental school and had many poignant conversations on subjects ranging from food to music to religion and politics. His enthusiasm and kind passion evidenced in our many talks still linger in my memory. I remember his vivid descriptions of holiday family feasts and family get-togethers. The stories were colorful enough to make us wish we might be invited! I knew he loved his family, his Greek heritage and his many friends. Our many hours in the lab waxing teeth or cutting preps in Ivorine teeth were memorable, but Tony is unforgettable. He was a friend who helped make those stressful times a less bumpy part of the dental education journey. I will miss him! God bless you, his family, who must now press on without him until that day of sweet reunion.

Dr Mark Stasi

November 19, 2021

I found out about Tony this morning in the AAO practice management bulletin. I am so sorry for your loss.... I became a friend immediately with Tony at Roth Williams years ago. His love of life was a beacon to all who new him. God I'm shocked and saddened. My heart goes out to his family. What a loss....God bless Tony and family.

Melissa Montoya

November 8, 2021

I was only a patient of his but Dr. Ellenikiotis was a great person and orthodontist. He saw me through two sets of braces when I was young and every appointment I had at his practice (which was many) he would personally check up on me and my teeth at the end. He was always so nice and making jokes with me to cheer me up. I always get compliments on my smile now, thanks to him. I have always and will always remember him fondly and he will be missed greatly. My heart goes out to his family.

Lupita Cardenas

October 6, 2021

Miss you dearly Dr E, such a wonderful man,father,friend,teacher,boss,soul may you live for eternity in heaven,

Karan Mody

September 16, 2021

I knew Dr. E professionally, we shared a few patients. He was a fantastic orthodontist with an amazing eye for detail. He'll be missed.

TAI TRAN and Huong LeTran, 15770 Wood Acres Rd

July 22, 2021

We just learn in shock over the sudden loss of your father and want to extend our condolences as your neighbor. Your father was highly respected and deeply loved by all who knew him. He was a good friend to his neighbors with his kindness and strength. His presence and influence in the community will be greatly missed

Maria (Mitsanas) Blasi

July 20, 2021

I´m so sorry to hear of Anthony´s passing. My prayers to the entire family that you may find strength during this time. May his memory be eternal.

Gregg Clark

July 18, 2021

Prayers go out to Tony's beautiful family. Tony really was a friend for Jennifer and I when we first moved to CA and then a second time when we returned. His heart and kindness were huge in helping us start our lives together. I know you are in a better place, and for your family, please know we were all blessed for being touched by Tony!!!

Greg Armi

July 16, 2021

To my dear friend Tony, whom I spent many a long night with carving teeth. We had so much fun in school and I will always remember the grace and compassion he showed to his friends.

One of my fondest memories was at his wedding when he had a translator speak to all of us who did not know Greek.

To his family my prayers and condolences. I know he is in a better place and that he´s watching over all of you, and is as proud of your accomplishments as he was when he was with you.

Bobbie Singh

July 16, 2021

RIP Dr E Condolences to the family. I wish I had met you. I am Rocky's aunt. Soula I am so sorry of your loss. Love you so much. Reading about your dad I am coming to know how great a dad he was and all his accomplishments. Taken too soon. ❤

Merle Kahn

July 16, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. E's passing. We were referred to him when our son was about 7 years old and a pediatrician had said that when he was about 14 he would need jaw surgery because of the way his teeth were coming in. Dr. E put in spacers, and my son was his patient for the next ten years. When my son was 14 we went back to the pediatrician and asked if he needed jaw surgery. The pediatrician looked at us as though we had lost our minds. Dr. E fixed his bite and our son avoided a very painful surgery and painful recovery. We will always be grateful. Plus, his smile and our daughter's smile are both gorgeous (it's a nice bonus). Please accept our deepest condolences.
Merle, Larry, Shira, and Jacob

James Chen

July 16, 2021

My deepest condolences to the whole Ellenikiotis family. Dr.E was more than just a teacher for me, he was a mentor, a friend and a father figure. He is the single biggest influence in my career. There is not enough space for me to express how much he and his family has meant to me. Dr.E not only showed me how to be an orthodontist but how to balance family and work. His relationship with his family is a beacon for all of us who have admired him. Dr. E is truly one of a kind in all aspects of life and will be deeply missed.

Beau Ulrich

July 16, 2021

My sincerest condolences to the Ellenikiotis family. Dr. E was truly a one of a kind individual. His passion for life and his family, love of his profession, and care for all in his company had to be witnessed to be believed. He touched the lives of so many through his orthodontic practice and his teaching, leaving and everlasting impact on those lucky enough to have known him. I feel honored to have been one of his students, associates, colleague and friend. I could not imagine my career today without his influence and the knowledge he imparted to me. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Dr. E.

Pauline Demetrakopulos

July 16, 2021

Tony and I were classmates at UOP and my memories of him will be cherished.
He was my date to our graduation dinner dance, and we would have fun Greek conversations. He was brilliant, and I only wish I had spent more time with him over the years. Sending my deepest condolences to his beautiful family. RIP Tony

George Mitsanas and family

July 15, 2021

Sad news. Our parents were great friends and as children, we used to spend time together. It has been decades since we have seen each other but the memories of our families together are wonderful. May Anthony´s memory be eternal.

The LeGate Family

July 15, 2021

We are all so sorry to hear of your Dads passing!
Thank you Dr. E. for the wonderful memories and the passion you shared with everyone who met you. There is no one like you on this planet that loved his children and always stressed perfection in orthodontics and perfection in everything in life. You were the best doctor and all the beautiful smiles are all your creations. Thank you Dr. E. You will be dearly missed.

Rosanne

July 15, 2021

I´m so very sorry to hear about Dr E
He was the very best orthodontist.
God bless his family and may he Rest In Peace

Gretchen Dix

July 15, 2021

Dr. E. was a huge presence in many lives. He could not contain his positivity, optimism, and expressions of gratitude and wonder, and had an extraordinary, generous heart. He was abundant. He did so much with his life, and I am forever grateful that he cared so much for my girls, to whom he gave perfect smiles. What a gift to countless others that get to receive their confident, easy smiles. If a smile is the universal language of kindness, then Dr. E. must be the kindest hearted man that lived.

All my love to the Ellenikiotis family. Seeing Dr. E was one of the highlights of my month in middle school and high school. I enjoyed my time with him so much that I went for a second round of braces in college. I have never seen a parent more pr

John Ferrari

July 15, 2021

All my love to the Ellenikiotis family.

Seeing Dr. E was one of the highlights of my month in middle school and high school. I enjoyed my time with him so much that I went for a second round of braces in college.

I have never seen a parent more proud of their children. I came to know the type of man you were even more through all the time I spent with your family. You raised a son that is one of the most loyal and loving people that I have ever met and I know he learned that from you.

Thank you for building a family that I am honored to know and be a part of. Your memory will live on and I still think of you every night when I put in my retainer.

- John Ferrari, Family Friend

Ajit Jagir

July 15, 2021

Our heartfelt condolences goes to each and every member of the Ellenikiotis family.

Even though, we recently came to know Tony through the marriage of our children (Rocky and Soula), it feels like we've been families forever. He showered us with unconditional love and emphasized about the importance of great family values. We're amazed by his superior accomplishments and the many talents and hobbies. To name a few, his paintings, unique Lladro collection, and beautiful fairytale gardens and orchards where he envisioned the grandkids spending their endless hours having fun. Now our hearts are heavy with sorrow as his time was cut too short. Tony, your memories will live on forever. We love you dearly.

Kathy Block

July 15, 2021

Heartfelt condolences to all the Ellenikiotis family. We’ll remember your dad’s enthusiasm on the soccer and field hockey fields, his charisma, beautiful family and that gorgeous smile of his. Peace and love to all of you. May you hold many sweet memories in your hearts. The Block’s, Kathy, Steve, Alex, Maddie and Vanessa.

Peaceful White Lilies Basket

Han Family

Sent Flowers

Jeffery Toschi

July 15, 2021

Dr. E was such an amazing person that cared so much about his patients. He gave so many people life changing smiles inlcuding myself and he will be missed by so many! He is one of the reasons I am pursing dentistry right now becasue he showed me the difference I could make in so many lives. He was an amazing orthodontist, dad, and friend. Sending Prayers to the Ellenikiotis Family!

Mary and Bert Rouleau

July 14, 2021

To the whole Ellenikiotis family - we are so sad to hear about Tony's death! He was an amazing man and orthodontist. He will be missed! Sending love at this very hard time! Dr Bert Rouleau and family

Wendy Tomer

July 14, 2021

I didn't know Tony well, but I did know this: He was an exceptional and accomplished man. My first encounter with him was when our daughters were on opposing softball teams many years ago. His girls were awesome pitchers, & he was a coach extraordinaire. His teams always came out on top. Some time later, I was referred to him for a TMJD issue. Using braces, he corrected my bite and helped resolve my jaw issues. I will remember him fondly and pray for peace for his family in the midst of their grief.

Wendy Tomer, Los Gatos

Debbie Castello

July 14, 2021

May you Rest In Peace, Tony. Your children will carry on your legacy with passion, humility and hard work. You are already missed by them.
Vic and Debbie Castelloo

Sona Bekmezian

July 14, 2021

It is impossible for anyone who ever met or interacted with Dr. E to forget him. He made a lasting impact on everyone! He challenged his students to learn and grow in sometimes uncomfortable ways! But learn and grow we did. I know we can all say that we have been changed for the better (and for good!) because we knew Dr. E.

Mahendra Mike Jagir

July 14, 2021

Soula, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Your dad was a true hero. He was my best friend. My first, and only meeting between us, was a lifelong and memorable one. As if we had known each other forever.We became respectable brother's forever. We had same values and beliefs. I will truly miss him. The void of such a kind man can never be refilled. I pray for his serenity.

Rick Johnson

July 14, 2021

From the moment I met Tony I realized I was in the presence of a very special man. His love for his children was always on display. His intelligence and character was something to be admired. His ability to capture the attention of everyone in the room when he was talking or telling a story is what I will truly miss.

Candace Chorjel

July 14, 2021

Being able to face a difficult and often unfriendly world with a beautiful and confident smile is a gift Dr. E gave to thousands, including our girls. He was as much a gifted artist as a skilled technician, and he was a blessing to all the lives he touched.
Much love,
Dr. Candace Chorjel

Mary Turoff

July 14, 2021

Everyone loved Tony! He was my friend, colleague, mentor. He was always so generous and my sons smiles are perfect because of Dr E. He will be forever missed but will live on through the legacy of his wonderful children. May God rest his soul.

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Justin & Bryce Renner Family

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Memorial Events
for Anthony Ellenikiotis

Jul

15

Service

7:00 p.m.

Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross

900 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002

Jul

16

Service

2:00 p.m.

Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross

900 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002

Jul

16

Service

5:00 p.m.

Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross

900 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002

Jul

16

Interment

3:30 p.m.

Greek Orthodox Memorial Park

1148 El Camino Real, Colma, CA 94014

Funeral services provided by:

Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service

977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402

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