Andrew Michael Michelakis

MSU Professor and Physician, Retired

Andrew Michael Michelakis, age 93, passed away Monday, June 28 at Burcham Hills. Andrew was born in the small, secluded mountain village of Kassani on the island of Crete, Greece on August 12, 1927. There he attended a one-room schoolhouse, studied by the light of an oil lamp, and often completed schoolwork while seated under the shade of an olive tree. Inspired by his father’s dedication to the importance of a good education, he walked daily across the rocky Cretan mountains to reach his high school in Viannos, often going barefoot because as he said, “it was more comfortable”. Andrew’s life in the village taught him observational sensitivity; he learned to respect and love nature, and this motivated his interest in science and medicine.

Andrew received a scholarship to the University of Athens, where he graduated in 1952 with a double major in Agriculture and Medicine. He was also a member of the Greek Army Medical Corps. He won a Fulbright Fellowship to the United States in 1952 and received the Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Kansas in 1955. From 1955-1959, he was a research and teaching Fellow in Chemistry at The Ohio State University, earning the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry in 1959. From 1959-1964 he was a Research Fellow in Steroid Chemistry and Endocrinology at Case Western Reserve University, earning the Doctor of Medicine degree in 1964.

Andrew always held great affection and gratitude for the United States, his adopted country. His two proudest memories were a visit to the White House with a group of Fulbright Scholars, where he met President Harry S. Truman, and the day he became a U.S. citizen.

Andrew joined the faculty of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN in 1966, where his research team developed pioneering medications for hypertension/high blood pressure. He came to the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in 1974, where he served as Professor of Pharmacology/Toxicology and Professor in the College of Human Medicine. He also was a physician at the MSU Clinical Center specializing in hypertension. Because of the popularity of his research achievements in hypertension, Andrew enjoyed the privilege of presenting seminars at many universities throughout the world, yet he always enjoyed returning to teach his medical students and to treat patients in his medical practice at the MSU Clinical Center.

Andrew served as a consultant to the Research and Development Committee for Drug Approval at the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company, Kalamazoo, for 25 years. He also served on accreditation committees for many medical schools throughout the United States.

In 1995, upon retirement from Michigan State University, Andrew was named Honorary Professor Emeritus, College of Human Medicine and Pharmacology. He returned to his interest in Agriculture and his native Crete, developing and nurturing the olive and citrus groves he inherited from his parents. Andrew and his wife, Josephine, labored to create a beautiful and productive agricultural sanctuary. Long days of pruning olive trees, watering vineyards and orchards gave way to tranquil evenings of simple Greek picnics with cheese, bread, olives, and Andrew’s homemade wine. Andrew was particularly proud of the new vineyards he developed, producing a delicious organic rosé wine. Andrew and Josephine rescued many abandoned dogs and cats over the years in Crete, giving them comfortable and happy lives in exchange for an abundance of joy, loyalty, and companionship. During times of relaxation, Andrew enjoyed journaling, documenting seven volumes of childhood memories of growing up on Crete, including fascinating and frightening experiences during the German invasion of Greece. During his time of retirement in Greece, Andrew also found time to consult with the University of Crete and the Venizeleio Hospital in Heraklion, as well as helping the Kassani villagers with their medical needs.

Andrew was preceded in death by his wife Dr. Hannelore Heineberg Michelakis and daughter Harriet. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Josephine, his son Dr. Michael Michelakis (Susan), grandchildren Hannah, Andrew, Ethan, and Emma, and brother Demetrius.

Andrew’s spirit remains in the two places he loved above all others: his native Kassani, which represented his ideal of heaven on earth, and his beloved adopted country, the United States, which he revered for the infinite opportunities it afforded him. He was deeply invested in the success of the MSU Medical School, School of Pharmacology, the Clinical Center, and the Clinical Pharmacy, teaching, advising, and mentoring medical students, a true Spartan forever.

Andrew’s family wishes to express its gratitude to the marvelous and dedicated staff of Burcham Hills, particularly Katarina and Laura; Fr. Mark of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, and the many family and friends who supported Andrew during his convalescence.

The funeral arrangements will be private and for the family only. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church - Greek Language School Scholarships, or WKAR-FM Classical Music.