Romilos Teodosiadis

Romilos Teodosiadis was born in Constantinople on February 6, 1926. Born an only child to Stefanos and Electra Theodosiadis, Romilos was encouraged to excel in school from the beginning. After skipping a grade or two, he graduated high school early and headed for Roberts College, a famous English-speaking university in Istanbul. In spite of barely passing his English class, he was so skilled in math that he was sent to the University of Illinois where he ended up getting his PhD in civil/structural engineering at 21 years old.

The next ten years were spent between engineering jobs in Chicago and New York and trips back to Turkey for his obligatory military service. It was not until his 31st year when he met his beautiful wife, Melpomeni Andriomenos. Not long after their first date to see the view atop the new Hilton, they were married in August of 1957 at the Agia Triada Greek Orthodox Church in Constantinople. Due to the political unrest in Turkey, most Greeks headed for Athens. Instead Romilos and Melpomeni headed back to Chicago where they had two children, Electra and Steve. Romilos and Melpomeni eventually landed in Long Beach CA to start a new job at McDonnell Douglas where he worked on the structural integrity of the DC-10. He stayed at McDonnell Douglas for 35 years until he retired in 1991. The family eventually settled in Rossmoor where he stayed for 60 years. 

Over the years, life was full of family, friends, and life's obligations. It was not long before there were two Electras in the house when his mother joined the family. After a stroke and Alzheimer's, Romilos never failed to visit his mother every day after work. Classical music was routine as was Walter Cronkite every night at 6:30. Romilos really enjoyed holidays because it became tradition to spend it with a group of friends who also came from Roberts College. He often took his family on trips, sometimes abroad, sometimes to Lake Tahoe or Yosemite, and sometimes to Baskin Robbins. We must mention the life-long constants. There was a love for sweets... especially someone else's dessert. Romilos also loved to ask questions.... sometimes he wanted answers and sometimes just because!  Before retiring, Romilos enjoyed teaching engineering classes at Long Beach State. While retired, tennis became an almost daily ritual.  

One of his greatest joys was spending time with his four grandchildren, Theodora, Athanasios, Anna, and Demetrios.  He saw every moment with them as an opportunity to share his life experience and teach them the things he loved. He taught them to love math, play tennis, and how to play tavli.  There was always time for tavli. His teaching style was to never let them win. They had to earn it!  Romilos also loved to travel to National Parks, Europe, Cappadokia, Chile, and Mexico. It was a priority for him to share these places with his family. He took Steve to Europe in 1976. He took Electra to Greece and Istanbul. When the grandkids were a little older, he took Theodora and Thanasi to Istanbul.

Romilos is survived by his wife of 67 years, Melpomeni (Nitsa), his daughter Electra, his son Steve (Georgia), and his grandchildren Theodora, Athanasios, Anna, and Demetrios. We will miss him.... and yes, we will even miss all the questions!

In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Romilos Teodosiadis to Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Long Beach.