Stratton Sterghos Sr.

Stratton Nicholas Sterghos, Sr.—a connoisseur of full-bodied Cabernets (his fave: Prince of Hearts from California), a long-suffering fan of the Miami Dolphins, a lover of Arturo Fuente cigars, everybody’s favorite uncle, and a long-time OB/GYN with a storied career—passed away peacefully on Aug. 12, 2026, with Vivien, his devoted wife of almost 48 years, at his side. He was 92, and an absolute legend.

Born Nov. 12, 1933, at his family home on Pressley Street in Greenwood, S.C., Stratton (known as Tiky by everyone he grew up with—an affectionate nickname given to him as the baby of the family) was the youngest of four children raised by Nicholas Sterghos (who ran the Star Cafe, a thriving restaurant in downtown Greenwood, with his brother, Ignatius), and the love of his life, Athena (nee Karatassos). A lifelong music lover who would belt out Lionel Richie lyrics even in his last months, Stratton played the clarinet in his Greenwood High School marching band. After graduating in 1951, he attended Davidson College in North Carolina, where he joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and the cheerleading squad, the source of many entertaining stories he’d share with relish over the years.

Inspired to pursue a career in medicine by his uncle, Panos Dukakis, he earned his medical degree in 1959 from the University of South Carolina Floyd School of Medicine, then went on to complete his internship and residency in OB/GYN at the University of Miami in 1965. While at UM, he befriended a charismatic urologist, Mickey Demos, who introduced Stratton to his little sister, Dorothea, and the couple married months later in 1960 after a whirlwind romance. (Greeks can be passionate that way.) Around this time, Stratton put his medical training on pause to serve as an Army captain and OB/GYN on base in Bremerhaven, Germany, pleased and proud to be able to spare men from the front lines so they could witness the birth of their children.

Stratton and Dorothea settled in Plantation, Fla., where they raised four children and Penuche, a beloved boxer and wedding gift. In nearby Fort Lauderdale, Stratton launched an epic career caring for pregnant women and delivering what sure seemed like half of Broward County (based on the amount of teachers who’d regale his kids with kinda annoying anecdotes of his attentive, expert care). He partnered with Harry Jelstrom in 1965 before building his own practice on Andrews Avenue near Broward General Medical Center (BGMC) after Dr. Jelstrom retired. He then launched Lauderdale Gynecologic Associates in 1968, when Robert Grenitz joined, and built a second office in Plantation. He expanded LGA further to include Larry Hungsinger, Phillip Caruso, Joseph Raziano, and Mario Rodriguez over the next four years. His eldest son, Stratton Jr., and Dr. Grenitz’s son, Mark, eventually took over the practice in the mid-1990s.

It was a calling Stratton was born for. He adored (just about) every patient. He made it a habit to call each one before a surgery to check in on how they were feeling, and after to see if they were having any symptoms or concerns. His bedside manner, attention to detail, and true concern for those in his care were more than textbook—they set the bar. Retiring at the age of 81 broke his heart. Being a doctor—which filled him with so much joy and purpose and led to lifelong bonds with his nurses and office staff, his patients and colleagues, and friends of patients and colleagues and office staff—wasn’t just a core identity. It was one of the greatest loves of his life. It also led to critical roles as Chief of Staff at Broward General Medical Center from 1982 to 1984 (you can find his handsome photo in the BGMC atrium), founding president of the Caducean Society of Greater Fort Lauderdale, co-founder of what was then a novel offering, Outpatient Surgical Services in Plantation, and long-time medical consultant and expert witness on behalf of doctors sued in medical malpractice cases—a testament to his leadership, initiative, and drive to make a difference in medicine beyond patient care.

His career also introduced him to the true love of his life, Vivien (nee Hynes). The daughter of one of his patients, Vivien captivated him (almost) the moment he met her. They started dating in 1974, a year after his divorce from Dorothea, and they married in a cozy ceremony at their home on Sept. 24, 1978. They traveled the world, loved visiting with family and their many friends (he was especially proud of his Greek roots and big extended Greek family), and were known for throwing unforgettable parties at their home in the Rio Vista neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale. Stratton loved a party, and he was the life of every one.

He will be remembered for being a generous, loyal friend, for his insatiable appetite for chocolate, for his deep Southern drawl, and an infectious belly laugh that could light up a room. He was truly one of a kind.

Stratton was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Athena Sterghos; his brother and sister-in-law, Ignace and Rena Sterghos; his sister and brother-in-law, Helen and James Parthemos, and his brother-in-law, Nick Athanas. He is survived by his wife, Vivien; his four children, Stratton (Charmaine) Sterghos, Jr., Mark (Lisa) Sterghos, Angelique (Michael) Papadopoulos, and Nicole (Rich) Brochu; his nine grandchildren, Eleni (Pat) Allen, Christina (Juan) Buritica, Niko Sterghos, Kristo Sterghos, Jacqueline Sterghos, Michael Sterghos, Samantha Sterghos, Baylee Brochu, and Krista Brochu; two precious great-grandchildren, Sophia Allen and Michael Allen; his sister, Irene Athanas, so many nieces, nephews, and cousins—and too many friends to count. He loved each of them like family.

In lieu of flowers, friends and loved ones who want to honor Stratton’s legacy are invited to send a donation in his name to Treasure Coast Hospice. A celebration of life will be held at a later date so his family and friends can share a toast in his honor, just as he wanted.