Dr. Constantine J. (Gus) Samios
1930 - 2020
Resident of Monte Sereno for 35 years and Santa Cruz
The world lost a good man on February 5, 2020. Gus was a gentleman of great integrity, perpetually positive and cheerful. His keen sense of humor, ready smile and laughter were contagious. He possessed an amazing ability to enjoy the moment whether traveling through some exotic destination or sitting at his desk looking at the ocean whilst enjoying butter pecan ice cream which he declared a “perfect food”!
Gus married the love of his life, Connie Kais, in 1959. Notwithstanding his many outstanding professional achievements, he was proudest of the family he and Connie built together- their 4 children and partners, Perry (Robin), Gus II (Cheryl), John & Mary Lynn, their 5 grandchildren John (Jessica), Gus III (Lauren), Jake, Naiya & Camille, and the newest addition, his 1-year old greatgranddaughter Sienna.
Gus was born in Joliet, Illinois into a large and loving Greek-American family. He possessed great intellectual curiosity from a very young age. His sisters often found him under the staircase avidly reading. They needed to check his clothes before washing because inevitably his pockets would be filled with the day’s discoveries including rocks, bugs, and other treasures. Gus graduated with highest honors from Joliet Jr. College, Northwestern University and Northwestern School of Medicine then completed his internship and residency at Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital in internal medicine specializing in cardiovascular diseases.
Gus served his country from 1956-1963 as a Lieutenant in the Navy. He was proudly attached to the Marine Corps 3rd Division in Okinawa as Battalion Surgeon where he received Letter of Commendation for the development of Mobile Field Medical Aid Stations. He later served as Senior Medical Officer for the HQ of Marine Forces, Pacific in Hawaii. In 1961 Gus returned to Chicago to complete his residency as Chief Resident. Thereafter he devoted his 38-year medical career to caring for patients, which included assisting in the first open heart surgery in Santa Clara County. Dedicated to improving his patients’ experience with the medical system, he helped found Good Samaritan Hospital in 1965, and served as Chairman of the ECG Department (GSH 1963), Chief of Staff (Campbell Hospital 1966-68), Chairman of the Acute Care & Coronary Care Comm. (GSH 1968-1975), Board of Directors (S.Clara Heart Assoc 1967-1970), Chairman of Dept. of Medicine (GSH 1968-1970), Chief of Staff Elect (GSH 1975-1976), Director of Medical Education (GSH 1976-1984), and Vice President of Medical Affairs (GSH 1984-1996).
Gus will be dearly missed by all who knew him and loved him. Services will be held at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1260 Davis St., SJ 95126 on Thursday February 20th at 7pm with Reception to follow and on Friday February 21st for Funeral Services at 11am. In lieu of flowers please consider remembering Gus with a donation to the American Cancer Society.