Steve Tsangalias

Corewell Hospital (previously Bon Secours) was the main hospital he performed surgery at for over 40 years, becoming Chief of Surgery and then Chief of Staff. He was a member of numerous professional medical societies, and thoroughly enjoyed his career as a plastic surgeon and advocate for doctors and nurses.

Steve grew up in a Greek community in Alexandria, Egypt and after completing medical school was accepted into a residency program in Detroit. Before leaving for America he toured Europe, sparking his lifelong love of travel and appreciation of different cultures and ideas. He continued his world travels throughout his life, bringing his wife & daughters with him to share in the adventures.

Upon arriving in Detroit he connected with the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church and through that community he met his lovely wife of 61 years, Joann Georgeades. Together they supported and sponsored their beloved Church and many Greek cultural organizations. They had a warm and cheerful homelife with 3 daughters and eventually 8 grandchildren.

A true embodiment of the American dream, he came to this country with $6 in his pocket and through his intelligence, determination and clever wit, he created a beautiful life for himself and his family. Steve was a skillful surgeon but he was also an inventor, a creator, an explorer, and a philanthropist. He was a loyal loving husband, a brilliant and patient father and a generous warmhearted friend. He enjoyed a good laugh and clever anecdote, and always made time to help anybody who needed assistance.

Steve always had great curiosity and a passion for learning. He was fond of researching complex topics and mastering new skills. He enjoyed explaining things (in detail) and his patience was unlimited. His knowledge was also seemingly unlimited. He built homes, repaired cars, dabbled in photography, and made sure he was always on the cutting edge of technology. Steve single-handedly escorted Assumption Church into the digital age and continued to maintain their computer system for decades.

Always the individual, he steadfastly did things his own way. He invented gadgets and surgical instruments that did not yet exist. He modified his homes and cars to suit his needs. And occasionally he happily chose to ignore rules and regulations in favor of a better, safer, or simply more pleasing end result.

Steve’s belief in kindness and charity was exemplified in the many ways that he donated his time, talents, and resources. He was a very active member and past president of the Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe. Their motto of Service Above Self was also a personal philosophy of his. He performed much needed surgical procedures on disadvantaged children from other countries, was a founder of Assumption Nursery School, founder and continued supporter of The Hellenic Museum of Michigan, and a generous and often anonymous benefactor to many people and organizations who were in need of financial resources.

His was a life well-lived. And he was well-loved.

Predeceased by his wife Joann (Georgeades) Tsangalias; Survived by his daughters Cynthia Portwood (Richard), Penelope Mulch (Theodore), and Stacy Jurgiel (Robert); his sister Mina Coletsos (Michael), grandchildren: Max Portwood, Ally Portwood, Cooper Mulch, Chloe Mulch, Olivia Jurgiel, Joanna Jurgiel, George Jurgiel, and Ruby Jurgiel

Visitation will take place at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores, Michigan on October 27, 2025, beginning at 9:30am, with funeral services immediately following at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Hellenic Museum of Michigan (www.hellenicmi.org) or the Assumption Church (www.goassumption.org).