Harry V. Demissianos ’50

Harry V. Demissianos ’50 died on January 20, 2019, in Lawrence, Michigan. 

(The following was published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on January 27, 2019:)

Harry Demissianos '50

Harry on a sunny day at his home in Gloucester, Mass., in January 2018

Lawrence Harry V. Demissianos, M.D., died peacefully on January 20, 2019, at his home in Lawrence, Michigan. He was born January 16, 1928, in Paris, France, to Vasilis and Sofia Demissianos. He grew up in Athens, Greece, and attended Athena College from 1937 – 1947, where he was valedictorian of his prep school class. In 1947, he matriculated to Bowdoin College in Maine. After receiving his B.S. from Bowdoin he attended Harvard Medical School, where he received his medical degree. He then moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he joined the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company, later becoming director of experimental medicine. On April 22, 1972, Harry was united in marriage to Glenda Smith Watts, who survives him. A physician by training and an industrial research manager for a good part of his life, Harry later developed a passion for photography—especially of his beloved Greece. His photographs have been exhibited in galleries in Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Niles, among other locations. Many of his photographs are in the homes of family and friends. Harry had a high intelligence, great curiosity, and a zest for life. He enjoyed travel and seeing new and interesting places. Sometimes when traveling he would even trip or run into things because he was such an eager and interested tourist who loved to take in all that a location offered. He was a great lover of music and art, enjoying concerts and the theater. In addition to his wife, Harry is survived by his daughter Zoe Livingston-Poole (Eric), a granddaughter Megan (Gilbert) Gagne and four great-grandchildren, as well as cousins in Greece and loyal friends.

3 Comments Harry V. Demissianos ’50

  1. Zoe Livingston-Poole

    Harry V. Demissianos (my father) was the quintessential renaissance man. We dearly miss him. He will be remembered for his intellect, wit and love of beauty.

    Reply
    1. Zoe Livingston-Poole

      My father, Harry V. Demissianos, was the quintessential renaissance man. We dearly miss him. He is remembered for his intellect, wit and love of beauty.

      Reply
  2. Jack Luderer

    I have just learned of Harry’s passing. He was a teacher that I will never forget. When I started at the Upjohn company, Harry gave so generously of his time to mentor, and share his brilliance and insight. He was perhaps the best teacher I ever had. He was a good man.

    Reply

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