Julian T. Lis

Dr. Julian Thaddeus Lis, born 12/20/32, of Riverside, CA loving and beloved husband of the late Eunice C. Lis, died peacefully on July 25, 2025, at the age of 92. Born in Chicago, IL, Julian was the son of the late Boleslaw and Stephanie Lis. He leaves behind two daughters, Janet (Doug) Roberts of Sacramento, and Linda (Michael) Smith of Hinsdale, IL. He is also survived by four sons, Steven (Tina) Lis of Temecula, Leon (Helen) Lis, of Corona Del Mar, John (Francie) Lis of La Quinta, and Julian (Shannon) Lis of Coronado. He was the adored grandpa of 17 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph (Jean), Casimir (Ann), Thaddeus (Nancy), and sister, Florence.

Julian was a graduate of Weber High School, Chicago, and Loyola University Chicago for both his undergraduate and medical degrees. While attending medical school, he met his wife of 60 years, Eunice Anton, then a nurse from Oak Park, IL. They were married on June 1st, 1957. Following his medical school graduation, he served as a flight surgeon & Captain at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, and was subsequently stationed at Fort Sheridan in Illinois. He completed his residency in General and Vascular Surgery at the Hines VA Hospital in Maywood, IL. He lived and practiced in Oak Brook, IL, before packing up his family of six children and driving across country with his wife to raise their family and work at Parkview Hospital in Riverside, CA.

Julian was a man of faith, family, and hard work. He was always generous with his time and talents. He loved being a surgeon and never complained about being called in to tend to a patient in need of surgery. His patients, colleagues, and staff always shared kind words of praise and gratitude for his commitment to patient care. Julian’s children kept him busy as well. But he happily found the time to coach Little League, attend ballet performances, and go on family vacations including a few memorable and laughter-filled trips in a motor home with Eunice, their 6 children, and dog, Blizzard.

Julian loved to work with his hands. His work as a skilled surgeon for 30+ years inspired all of his children to pursue medical careers. His hobbies included wood working and handyman projects at their home. He also loved to garden and prepare holiday meals for his extended family up until the last few years of his life. He was a lifelong fan of his hometown Chicago White Sox baseball team, tuning into to watch all of their games, win or lose.

The devoted husband and father will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of faith, hard work, and love will live on.

A visitation with Rosary and funeral Mass in celebration of his life will be held at St. Andrew Newman Center church in Riverside on Saturday, August 16th starting at 11am with the funeral Mass at 12pm. The burial will follow at Our Lady of Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery in Colton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, or Tunnels to Towers.