Demos Panayi Hadjiyanis

Demos P. Hadjiyanis, 101, passed away on April 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Syngrasis, Cyprus, on December 1, 1923, Demos was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, professor, and friend to many. He lived with integrity and purpose, always striving to make the world better through respect, thoughtfulness, honesty, kindness, and educated logic. Raised on his family farm, Demos moved to the United States in 1949 to pursue his education, ultimately earning a PhD in Economics from the University of Minnesota in 1967. His passion for learning led him to a lifelong career in academia. He began teaching at St. Olaf College, before joining the University of St. Thomas, where he taught for 25 years until his retirement in 1990, later receiving the title of Professor Emeritus. Demos and his adoring Eugenia shared a deep and abiding love - one he described as beginning "from the moment he met her." Together, they welcomed every person they encountered with warmth and "philoxenia" (hospitality). He mentored his family with wisdom, humor, and the simple joys of breakfast. His patience and care also flourished in his love of gardening. A devout member of St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church, Demos fostered education, community service, and his Greek Cypriot heritage through his involvement in AHEPA, where he helped establish a Greek Language School and a scholarship fund. As a lifelong learner and firmly believing that "An education is the lightest thing you can carry on your back-you can take it anywhere," he also supported and led students in study abroad programs. Thoughtful and patient, Demos put great care into every word he spoke, prayer he led, toast he gave, and card or poem he wrote. He blessed every gathering with love, joy, and his passion for Greek and ballroom dancing. His warmth and wisdom made everyone feel like family. Demos is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Eugenia; his loving children, Katherine (Nick), Vicky (Joe), and George (Susan); and his cherished grandchildren, Gina, Theodore (Katie), Nico, Marina, Stella, Eva, and Maria. He was preceded in death by his parents and his seven siblings. Thank you to all friends and family for their love, and to Demos' caregiver, Maria, and Parkshore staff for their extraordinary care and devotion. We will forever miss his love, humor, and gracious spirit. May his memory be eternal. Visitation 4:30-7pm Wednesday April 23rd with 6:30pm Trisagion Service at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 West 50th St. Edina. Funeral Service 11:00am Thursday, April 24th at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church, 3450 Irving Ave. South, Minneapolis. A luncheon will follow the burial. Private Interment Lakewood Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church or AHEPA Scholarship Education DPH Endowment Fund

Tributes

Demos Panayi Hadjiyanis

December 1, 1923 - April 9, 2025

Tributes

Demos Panayi Hadjiyanis

December 1, 1923 - April 9, 2025

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