Obituary of Dr. Louis Theodore Dimas
Born in 1930, Louis passed away peacefully at home with his family present on January 15, 2022. Louis, age 91, is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joan (nee Samios), daughter Marina Dimas, son John Dimas, and granddaughter Alexandra (Sean Murray). He was preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Katherine Dimas, and his brothers Reverend Constantine (Coola) and George (Georgene).
Louis was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois. He attended Joliet schools, graduating from Joliet Township High School. He attended Joliet Junior College and was a graduate of the University of Illinois Dental School. He then served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force as a dentist and was stationed in Japan. It was in Japan that he became interested in oral surgery. When he returned to the United States, he entered Northwestern University for oral surgery. He then did his residency in Seattle at the University of Washington, King County Hospital. Upon completion of his oral surgery training, he accepted a position teaching oral surgery at the University of California, San Francisco.
He returned to Joliet to marry the love of his life, Joan, in 1962 at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, where Louis was an organist and director in the choir in his youth, served as President of AHEPA, and was a member of the church board.
Louis opened his oral surgery practice in 1962 and was the second oral surgeon in Will and surrounding counties. He served as President of the Will County Dental Society, was a lifetime member of the American Dental Society, and was a member of the Hellenic Dental Society. Additionally, he served as Chair of Dental Staff at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center and Silver Cross Hospital. He retired as an oral surgeon in 1992.
Louis served as President of the Will County Cancer Society, was a member of the Joliet Rotary Club, and served on the board of the Boy Scouts of America.
Upon retirement, Louis spent many years visiting all 50 states and traveled around the world twice with his family. He loved hunting with his friends in Wyoming and spending afternoons golfing. If he wasn’t cheering for the Cubs or the Bears, you could find him enjoying listening to Frank Sinatra, dancing the night away with his wife, reading and watching shows about history, or entertaining his friends and family at home. Something we will always remember about him is his infectious laugh and how he would crack himself up with his jokes, which made us all laugh.
No one could have cherished a wife more, or had a happier marriage. Louis loved his children and his granddaughter boundlessly and looked forward to and welcomed every minute he had with them. He showed an endless curiosity and zest for life and did not take anything for granted. Louis had a true voracity for learning and a truly generous spirit.
Louis was always able to make all those around him feel important, heard, and loved. His wit and sense of humor made all surrounding him feel like they were the pinnacle of humor. Louis provided unseen acts of kindness without regard for recognition throughout his life. If there was a time anyone around him needed help, he was there without hesitation. Louis continually showed humility as he worked without tire in every facet of his life. The world has lost an example of a wonderful human being and gentleman.
We invite you to celebrate Louis’ incredible life with us. Visitation for Dr. Dimas will be Friday, January 28, 2022 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet from 4 - 8 p.m. with Trisagion services at 6 p.m. Funeral services will begin on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church (102 N Broadway, Joliet, IL, 60435). Interment will follow at Woodlawn II Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund in Joliet, Illinois or St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, in San Diego, California.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
