Athanassios Dimitrios Deslis
February 4, 1938 - February 2, 2026
Athanassios Deslis, beloved husband, father, brother, and proud Greek immigrant, passed away after a life distinguished by intellect, public service, and devotion to family and heritage.
Born in 1938 Greece, Athans was raised in a period of Greek life that included WWII, the Greek Civil War, and eventually deep political upheaval during the 1960’s. His life was built through a long dedicated effort towards education, and higher learning, having earned a BS, and MS from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in his early career He quickly became a young fast rising figure in politics and public service as he served as Director of Agriculture in Greece and was headed to become a member of Parliament until a military coup (the Junta) in Greece occurred in 1967, after which Athanassios moved his family to the US and continued his education in the US earning a BS, and MS from Columbia University of Missouri, and furthered his academia in Utah for a MS, and PHD Studies in Macro Economics at Utah State University as he maintained a lifelong passion for education, politics, and civic life. Later in life he returned to Greece and ran for Public office in the 1980’s, guided by a deep belief in public service and national responsibility.
After immigrating to the United States, Athans became a successful restaurateur, owning three Greek restaurants, where he shared Greek culture, hospitality, and cuisine with the community. All the while continuing his passion for service, and education as a prolific published author, as an economist in Greek national publications. He was deeply passionate, about his Greek heritage and contribution to society and it was the basis of all his actions throughout his life both in business, public service, and family.
Athans was married for 58 years to his beloved wife, Paschalitsa Deslis, with whom he built a strong and enduring family. He is survived by his four children Dimitrios Deslis, Katerina Deslis, Amalia Deslis (her son, and his grandchild Alec), and Konstantine Deslis (wife Ashley; and grand child Athanasios and Athena), as well as his brother Aristidis Deslis and niece Amalia.
A viewing will be on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City.
In Loving Memory
My love and prayers are with you Dimitri during this terrible loss. I know you are resting in the knowledge your father is in the presence of our Savior Christ Jesus and you will see him again on that great someday.
I met Αθανάσιος a handful of times. Strong, stern and proud man. Patriot and loving husband and father to his wife and children. My deepest condolences to your loss Deslis family. He is with God now resting for eternity
Mr. Deslis was a very interesting man. All the years I knew him growing up I was amazed at his stories of the Greek Junta and the important role he played in it. He was always kind to me and he always made me laugh. He was larger than life itself. His humor reminded me of my mother's humor. Αιωνία η μνήμη αυτού!
“For if we Believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:14 It is with heavy hearts, yet with hope in the Resurrection, that we offer our deepest condolences to the family of Athanassios Dimitrios Deslis. A dedicated leader and servant of his nation. We pray for comfort, strength, strength and peace for his wife and four children during this time of loss. May the Lord grant him rest in a place of light, a place of repose, where all sickness, sorrow, and sighing have fled away. We know all those in Christ, are not gone forever, but have gone ahead to a better place
I’m so sorry to hear that Athanasios has passed away. I know how much his children loved and looked up to him. May his memory be eternal.
May his memory be eternal.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Old friends will meet again in heaven.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss brother. Your father, Athanassios, sounds like a truly formidable man a "force of nature" in the best possible sense. To live through the turmoil of 1940s Greece, rise to the heights of public service, and then rebuild a life in a new country while maintaining that level of intellectual rigor is nothing short of heroic. He didn't just move through the world rey he left a mark on every corner of it. What an amazing and meaningful life, and I know his presence will be missed every day.
I have only known about Athanassios, thru his stories shared by his son, and my dear friend Dimitrios. I truly wish I could have met him while he was alive. I would share with him that in addition to the important incredible journey he led his people and Greece on in life, he should be just as proud of his success as a father. While he hopefully had a good sense of that, in my life I have learned even the smartest parents hold themselves up to incredibly high standards when it comes to family. My life has been made infinitely better because of his Son's friendship, which is a direct beeline from him and his wife. Thank you Deslis family and sending my deepest prayers and love in this time of grieving.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family may God take care of him and again im sorry for your loss,love you brother
In Loving Memory
