Search

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 92, died Thursday, August 5, 2021, at his home in Chelsea. He was born September 18, 1928, in Asha, Cyprus, the son of Kleanthis and Christa Ilou (Hjkyriacou) Costa.  Dr. Kleanthous was born on the former British Colony of Cyprus. He left the island in 1948, to study medicine in the U.S. He studied pre-med at Wayne State, and then attended University of Michigan Medical School. Costas met Sylvia in anatomy class at Wayne State. After graduation, Costas joined the Army and traveled the world. While in the U.S., he did his OBGYN residency at William Beaumont Military Hospital in El Paso, TX. He studied hospital administration for 2 years at Baylor University in San Antonio, TX. Costas also did his family practice residency at Dewitt Army Hospital in Fort Belvoir, VA. Overseas, he spent 4 years in Germany, 3 years in Italy, and 3 years in Ethiopia. After the military, he worked at the Chelsea Emergency and Rehabilitation Services PC. He was also the Medical Director of Substance Abuse at Chelsea Community Hospital, Medical Director of Substance Program at Oakdale Recovery in Canton, and worked at Brighton Hospital.

On July 19, 1953, he married Sylvia Artemis Maropoulou in Detroit. He is also survived by 3 children, Emmanuela Chris (Theodore) Brogden of Iowa Park, TX, Pamela Sue (Kent) Smeltz of Dornsife, PA, James Kleo Kleanthous of Chelsea, MI; 2 grandchildren, Juliana Artemis Smeltz and Erik James Smeltz.

A funeral service will be held Monday, August 9, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, with Fr. Nicolaos Kotsis officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10-11 am. Burial will be Tuesday, Aug. 10, at 11:00 am at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Attn: AHEPA Chapter 195, 3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.

Click here to watch the recording of Dr. Kleanthous' funeral

Click here to watch the recording of Dr. Kleanthous' graveside service

 

 


You may share a memory or leave a message for Dr. K's family using the form below.  Please allow up to 24 hours for us to review and post your comment. 

Comments  

#5 George Skrettas 2021-08-11 22:38
My sincere sympathy upon the passing of Dr. Kleanthous. I met him for the first time in September 1994 at the old St. Nicholas Church after a Sunday Divine Liturgy. I was standing alone in the church's fellowship hall when he approached me and asked me who I was. I informed him that I was a student and he said to me "you are well come George." He was an exceptional gentleman, faithful parishioner and it was my privilege to have known him. Rest in Peace good Sir.
Quote
#4 Diane Weid 2021-08-09 12:21
Dr. K made an imprint of many souls and changed many lives through his work, always leading with his heart. May he rest in peace after a life well lived.
Quote
#3 Patti Acton 2021-08-09 07:46
Such a genuinely kind soul. Dr. K as he was known at Chelsea was always open to a discussion and new ideas. He will be missed for all his generous work.
Quote
#2 Phil Boham 2021-08-08 16:28
Sylvia and family. I am truly sorry to hear of Dr. K’s passing. He was always someone I so enjoyed seeing when at work at Chelsea Hospital. He always had a smile on his face and was a true gentleman. It was an honor to know him.
Quote
#1 Ruth Philippou 2021-08-08 11:49
It is with a great sadness and respect that Christos, Alicia Kyriaki, Stephen Georgios, and I grieve the passing of a wonderful man, Dr. Costas Kleanthous. "Dr. K," as he was affectionately known to us and to many others at St. Nicholas, was an ever-caring, extremely generous, kind, loving influence on our children, and also on us. His wife, Sylvia, is an incredibly sweet, gentle, and kind person, and my thoughts go out to her, and to all of Dr. K's family, as we remember him and all of his great love and caring for others. May his memory be eternal! Dr. K., you will be greatly missed!
Quote

Add comment

Security code
Refresh