Theodossios Athanassiades ’61

Known to his family and many of us as “Sakis,” Ted unexpectedly and tragically died Feb. 13, 2014, two days after a serious fall.

Born in Athens, Greece, Ted came to Princeton on a Fulbright scholarship from Athens College. At Princeton, he majored in mathematics and roomed with Demitrios Cotomatas, Jim Hunter, Al Wheeler, Vince Peluso, and Harry Pinto.

He had a long and hugely successful 35-year career with MetLife, starting as an actuary and rising to president and COO and ultimately vice chairman and board member. Ted’s volunteer life included chairing the New York Blood Center and serving on the board of the Gennadius Library of the American School of Classical Studies.

He was a lover of classical music, travel, and good wine. He enjoyed gardening with his wife, Elaine, and was a knowledgeable fan of Princeton athletics.

A devoted and loyal Princetonian and classmate, Ted was a Reunions regular, director of PRINCO for four years, and class chair for Planned Giving. A major donor, he endowed the Ted and Elaine Athanassiades Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Hellenic Studies Department.

Ted is survived by Elaine; his daughter, Karen Athanassiades; a son, Stratos; and five grandchildren. With them, we mourn his passing.