Submitted by: Dan Rich

George Kolettis

Feb. 12, 1928 - Aug. 7, 1998

South Bend Tribune 8/9/1998

Professor George Kolettis, Ph.D., 70, of Orchard Heights Drive, South Bend, Ind., died at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 7, in St. Joseph's Medical Center. Professor Kolettis was born on Feb. 12, 1928, in Wheeling, W.Va., to George and Maria (Kallias) Kolettis and grew up in Gary, Ind. He began his studies in mathematics at the University of Chicago at the age of 16 and received all three of his academic degrees from this famous institution: a Bachelors degree in Philosophy, a Masters degree in Mathematics and Physics and a Ph.D. in mathematics. He carried out his doctoral research under the guidance of the eminent algebraist, Irving Kaplansky. After three years as instructor at Northwestern University, Professor Kolettis joined the Department of Mathematics of the University of Notre Dame as assistant professor in 1958 and rose to the rank of full professor in 1969. He was active in the department for 40 years as a dedicated teacher and capable administrator. He served the department as assistant chairman, Director of Undergraduate Studies and member of its Executive Committee.

What stood out about George was the warm, generous and personable way in which he interacted with everyone. In an age when many rush past the flowers near the path, George raised orchids; in an age when many are incapable of deeper commitments, George embraced his wife, his family, his friends and his Greek heritage; in an age when many are distracted from introspection and reflection, George was devoted in Christ to his Greek Orthodox faith. All who knew George will treasure their memories of him as thoughtful, caring, congenial and convivial, husband, father, friend and colleague.

On Dec. 28, 1960, in Tarpon Springs, Fla., he married Theodora A. Tsangaris, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, George T. (Julie) Kolettis of St. Joseph, Mich. and Peter N. (Michelle) Kolettis of Birmingham, Ala; four grandchildren, George Robert, Sara Anastasia, Nicholas Alexander and Maria Irene Kolettis; one sister, Bess Hadey of Clearwater, Fla.; and by one brother, John G. Kolettis of Merrillville, Ind.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, in Greek Orthodox Church of St. Andrew, 53455 Ironwood Road, with Rev. Christ Kontos officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Grove at the University of Notre Dame. Friends may call from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today in the church. A Trisagion service will be held at 7:30 in the church following the visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Andrew or to the George Kolettis Scholarship Fund, in care of Development Office, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556.