Leo M. Stephanides, age 75, a resident of Wheaton and formerly a longtime resident of Glen Ellyn, died on Wednesday, May 30, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on January 17, 1937 in Chicago to Cleobule (Leo) and Mavis Stephanides.
He graduated from Elmhurst College before joining the U.S. Navy, where he was named Honor Man of his company at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. After his service, he continued his education and received a master's degree from Southern Illinois University. Leo was employed by the Veterans Administration from 1963 until he retired in 1999. He worked at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital as a research biochemist and was a pioneer in the field of echocardiography at Hines and at Midwest Heart Specialists.
While serving in the Navy, he met Carole Sjogren and they married six months later on September 12, 1962. He loved to help others, especially veterans. He also loved to write daily in his journal with one of the pens from his fountain pen collection.
Leo is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Carole, three children, Paul (Dorota) Stephanides of Naperville, David (Denise) Stephanides of Naperville and Michele (Matthew) Evangelista of Glen Ellyn, six grandchildren, Cleo, Nina, Emma and Ethan Stephanides and Luke and Andrew Evangelista, and one brother, Thomas (Margaret) Stephanides of St. Louis, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the General Fund, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Voluntary Service Dept. – In memory of Leo M. Stephanides, 5000 South Fifth Ave., Hines, IL 60141.