Pandeli Anas

Born on January 1, 1937, in a Greek enclave of Istanbul, Turkey, to parents Vasilis Anas and Eleni (Aymeloglou) Anas, Pandeli was raised on the banks of Istanbul’s famous Bosphorus Strait. He attended medical school at Istanbul University, an ancient institution with origins dating to 1453. Upon graduating he sought a better life for himself, his wife Sylvia, and infant son, by immigrating to America. Pandeli completed his fellowship and residency, specializing in vascular and thoracic surgery, at the University of Mississippi in Jackson.

“Dr. Anas,” as he became known to his thousands of patients and his local community, joined a practice at the Associated Physicians and Surgeons Clinic in Terre Haute, Indiana. He spent the next 38 years working at the clinic and at Union Hospital. When he wasn’t working, Pandeli enjoyed reading, opera, and traveling with close friends and family to amazing and exotic destinations all over the world. However, his greatest joys came from time spent with family. He loved being a dad and a pappou (Greek for grandfather) to his three grandchildren more than anyone could have imagined. He taught his family the joys of reading and instilled a passion for lifelong learning.

In 1997, Dr. Anas retired from medicine and moved to Chicago, a place where he and Sylvia spent countless weekends in earlier years. He continued his education by taking classes, reading, and enjoying the arts. In particular, Dr. Anas enjoyed studying evolution, history, languages, and word-origins. He will be remembered fondly by friends for his kindness, wisdom, pride in his Greek-American heritage, and near dictionary-like knowledge of the English language. The legacy he leaves for his wife, children, and grandchildren is a deep love of family, devotion, and boundless generosity.

Pandeli is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sylvia, sons Basil Anas (Jane) and Emil “Mike” Anas (Kelli), and grandchildren Nicholas Anas, Sarah Anas, Sydney Anas, and an extended family residing mostly abroad.

Friends of the family are invited to a visitation to be held September 22, from 4-8 p.m., at 161 East Chicago Avenue, 24th floor, Chicago, Illinois.