Angelis Vlahou

In loving memory of Angelis Vlahou, 1949-2024

Dr. Angelis Vlahou, a beloved brother, uncle, friend and professor, passed away Jan. 29, 2024, following his battle with ALS.

Born in the deep green meadows and valleys of Arcadia, Greece, on Jan. 1, 1949, he brought joy, wisdom and kindness to those around him whether he was strumming his guitar, explaining the philosophy of Plato to his college students or feeding stray animals when no one else would. 

He lived in a different realm than most people, looking beyond the obvious and seeking meaning in the hidden gems of life. When he was a little boy, he liked picking flowers with his younger sister in the village of Vyziki. He loved all flowers, especially red poppies. But it was the tiny unremarkable, wildflowers wedged in between rocks that drew his attention. This was the essence of Angelis, a sensitive, caring and deeply emotional soul who made each person who was with him feel special. He expressed all that feeling in poems and music he composed and played on his guitar, his lifelong companion. 

In one poem about a nymph that he often spoke of, he wrote in part:

Last night you came to me again, in high spirits and giddiness

Leaping about with songs, a butterfly amid the May flowers

Little nymph, little bird, take everything 

All the colors on your wings, to have, and to have life.

With songs that dance in the air

Like a butterfly you color the night

Little nymph, little bird, into the light,

You usher in May, and awaken the world

Little nymph, little bird, stay a little longer 

In the garden of dreams, we dance together

And as the morning lights up the sky,

Be there, little nymph, always enlightening us.

Angelis split his life between Greece and the United States, where he pursued his higher education.

He received a Bachelor's Degree in political science and pre-law studies from North Central College in Naperville, Ill., in 1980; a Master's Degree in political science in 1989 from the University of Illinois, Springfield and his Doctorate in political science and public administration from Southern Illinois University in 2004. His dissertation “Highways of the American Social Democracy’’ examined how fuel taxes are used for public projects.

Between 1989 and 1996, he held various teaching positions including at the University of Illinois. 

In Greece, he was a professor at the British Hellenic College (2003-2008) and at the American University of Athens (2008-2013), where he also was an assistant to the dean’s office and chairperson of the department of social sciences. Simultaneously, he served as an environmental consultant at two waste oil and recycling firms.

From 2014 to 2015, he was a consultant for the United Nations Environmental Agency in Algeria,  delivering a Mediterranean Action Plan on the country's efforts to recycle oil and lubricants.

In 2022, he helped expand food contract programs at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

He continued to advise students from all over the world even after the onset of ALS.

He is survived by his six siblings, friends, cousins, aunts and uncles in the United States and many family members and friends in Greece.

A celebration of Angelis’ life will be held Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 at Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church in Marlboro, Massachusetts. Visiting hours at the church begin at 10 a.m. and will be followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. He will be laid to rest at the Forestvale Cemetery on Broad Street, Hudson, Massachusetts.                              

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that a tree be planted in his memory or donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS.

May his soul rest in peace and may his memory bring comfort and joy to all who knew him.