Efthimios (Efthimi) Athanas of Blue Bell, PA died on February 5, 2019 at the age of 87 years old.

He was born in Eleftherohori, Giannitsa, Greece to Parthena (Mavridis) and John Athanasiadis.

He was a graduate of the University of Bologna in Italy where he began his studies not knowing a word of Italian. He spent innumerable hours studying medicine and Italian simultaneously.

After graduation and upon his return to Greece, he met and married his wife, Helen, with whom he spent 50 loving years.

After immigrating from Greece to the US, he learned English and completed his medical training, including a pediatric residency at Crozier Hospital where he was Chief Resident.

He and Helen moved to New Jersey where he opened his private practice and took care of countless little ones. He was much loved and respected by his patients and their families for over 30 years.

After retiring, Efthimi and Helen enjoyed many years together boating, walking on the beach and spending time with their beloved grandchildren at their homes in West Chester, PA and in Hilton Head, SC. He will be remembered as a grandfather who taught each of his grandchildren to ride a bike and go crabbing and fishing. He was notorious for sneaking in trips to the ice cream parlor and passing out chocolate. He had a love of working with his hands and building things. He took up furniture making and continued his love of learning by studying astrophysics, religion and philosophy.

Efthimios was the loving husband of Helen, who preceded him in death. He was a devoted father to Ginny Markos (Ronald), Joanna Farrell (Laurence) and Michelle Karalis (Nicholas); doting grandfather to Elena, Eleni, Sophia, Christopher, Jerry and Mia. He is also survived by his siblings, Maria Kougiountzidis, Michael Athanasiadis and Kosta Athanasiadis

Funeral Service: 10:00 AM Saturday, February 9, 2019 at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 35 N. Malin Road, Broomall, PA 19008, where relatives and friends may call after 9:00 AM.

Burial: SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery

Memorial gifts may be made to the above church for those in need or Children's Hospital of Philadelphia