Thomas Kostas Poulakidas, 82, peacefully passed away May 29, 2020. Beloved husband of Aliki, nee Anagnos; loving father of Marina (Michael) Morelli and Cynthia (Corey) Tobin; cherished grandfather of Thomas and Theodora Tobin and Harry and Penelope Morelli; devoted son of the late Fr. Kostas and Zafiroula, nee Antonaropoulos; dearest brother of Andreas (Mary), Christina (Peter) Maydanis, Sakee (Irene) and Ange (the late Alex) Pappas; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Thomas was devoted to his family. He was a selfless husband, father and grandfather. As the son of a Greek Orthodox priest, he developed a deep love for the church that guided him through his entire life.
Thomas earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry at The University of Oklahoma, a Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Loyola University of Chicago, and his specialty in endodontics at Northwestern University.
He proudly served in the US Army’s famed First Cavalry Division in Vietnam, attaining the rank of Captain. His brave service was recognized with numerous awards, including the Bronze Star.
When he returned, Thomas married his beloved Aliki, and proceeded to build an accomplished endodontic career, both as a practitioner and a tenured professor at Northwestern.
He cherished fishing with his grandkids in Green Lake, Wisconsin, researching stocks, and cultivating his garden.
From rather humble beginnings, he lived a fulfilling and successful life as a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a role model, and a teacher.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Funeral and Interment services are private. The Funeral Service will be livestreamed on Tuesday, June 2nd, starting at 10:55 a.m. on the website of Ascension of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church, https://www.ascensiongoc.com, and the graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery via a Facebook stream from our page, John G. Adinamis Funeral Director, Ltd. We look forward to celebrating his life post-pandemic.
For those inclined, Memorial tributes may be made in Thomas’ memory to Ascension of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church.
May His Memory Be Eternal.
My family and I will always have the fond memories spending holidays together and sharing the vacation home in Green Lake. His famous Eggs Kayana were enjoyed by all in Green Lake. Other fond memories include taking his nephews Will & John and his brother-in-law Basil Anagnos to Northwestern University football games and packing homemade hotdogs in everyone’s pockets. When a whole roasted turkey was on the menu at a family gathering, Tom would put on an apron and bring his knife to carve it no matter whose home we were in. He knew how to save a penny and… Read more »
Family of Thomas Poulakiidas: It is with great sadness that we heard to Tom’s passing. In the years we got to know him when we arrived in the Chicago area some 15 years ago, he did so much to make us feel at home with his genuine warmth, hospitality, and tremendous dignity and devotion. He so greatly adored his family and his church. People of his quality and character just don’t come along that much anymore and when they do, they should be greatly embraced! Tom was a tremendous friend of ours and our only regret was that we didn’t… Read more »
My thoughts and prayers are with you Aliki, Marina, & Cynthia. Tom was a very special man & friend to many. He was the most responsible man I have known. Many wonderful memories from Northbrook days up to our years in Lake Forest. I was very fortunate to be included in Tom’s circle of friends. RIP Tom. Your memory will remain eternal!!
Our deepest condolences and sympathy to Aliki, Marina, Cynthia and family. Tom was a true friend and Christian. I have wonderful memories with him, together with Basil and Nick at our Bergoff lunches . Tom would send me a card for my namesday with beautiful words and bits of wisdom. He would visit my Mom when she was alive in Lake Forest and take her to The Ascension Church and spend meaningful time with her. We will truly miss him and remember his kindness and unending friendship. May his memory be eternal. Zoe se olous. Bill and Affie
I wilL always remember when we came to visit our cousins in Chicago and I helped my uncle to mow his lawn. I accidentally was mowing the neighbor’s lawn and he got UPSET with me because I was doing it wrong but I forgave him because he just was concerned about me on his ride lawn mower!
He then gave us all a ride in his new Mustang car! He also let my young sister drive his boat in Greenlake. We went water skiing and had a great time there too. May his memory be eternal forever!