Basil S. Kasimis MD.

Dr. Basil S. Kasimis, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and distinguished physician, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024, at his home in Lake Mary, Florida, at the age of 78. Born on June 19, 1946, in Athens, Greece, Dr. Kasimis lived most of his life in New Jersey, where he built an extraordinary career and raised his family before moving to Florida in 2021. He is survived by his loving wife, Katerina; his daughter Anna Patounakis and her husband, George Patounakis, of Longwood, Florida; his daughter Elizabeth 'Jenny' Manis and her husband, Jeffrey Manis, of Randolph, New Jersey; his cherished grandchildren: Katerina, Eleni, Joseph, and Emily; and many loving friends and relatives.

An exemplary student, Dr. Kasimis graduated summa cum laude from the National University of Athens Medical School in 1970 and earned his Doctor of Science degree in 1974. Between 1970 and 1972, he served honorably as a military physician in the Greek Army. His ambition led him to the United States in 1974, where he dedicated his career to advancing medical research and oncology care.

Dr. Kasimis began his U.S. medical career as an intern at South Baltimore General Hospital, later rising to chief resident by 1977. He further specialized with fellowships in medical oncology and hematology at Boston University. Over the course of his remarkable career, he held academic appointments at leading institutions, including the University of California, UMDNJ-Rutgers Medical School, and Rutgers University, where he served as a professor of medicine until his retirement in 2014.

From 1986 to 2014, Dr. Kasimis led the Hematology-Oncology Section at the Veterans Affairs New Jersey Healthcare System in East Orange, where he fought tirelessly to renovate and modernize its cancer treatment facilities. He authored over 200 publications, served as principal investigator on approximately 85 studies, and received numerous awards for his contributions to cancer research, including the Gallo Award for Excellence and the National Cancer Institute CTSU Certificate of Excellence.

Basil Kasimis was admired not only for his professional achievements but also for his vibrant personality and zest for life. In 1975, he married Katerina Markantonis, his high school crush. Their serendipitous reunion at a bus stop years after they graduated high school led to a 49-year marriage filled with love, laughter, and family. Basil was a devout Greek Orthodox Christian and dedicated member of AHEPA. He attended St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway, NJ until he moved to Florida in 2021 where he regularly attended Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Orlando in Maitland, Florida.

He loved spending time with his family, tending to his roses, traveling, and engaging in spirited games of Backgammon and Parcheesi, winning of course, every time he played. He found joy in studying history, going to museums, and learning new skills, even taking up piano at the age of 70. In his later years, he still loved going to Disney World and Cape May with his extended family and grandkids as often as possible. Basil was known for his quick wit and sense of humor, making jokes and bringing smiles to his loved ones until the moment he left us.

Dr. Kasimis leaves behind a legacy of compassion, brilliance, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but forever remembered for the lives he touched and the inspiration he provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in his memory.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Orlando in Maitland, Florida on Friday, December 13th at noon, with a viewing at 11am. Burial will be on December 20th at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Randolph, NJ.