Costas A. Terris, M.D., passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at the age of 97. He was born in a small village near the city of Kilkis in northern Greece. Costas was one of seven children of Alexander and Despina Terekides.
Costas was determined to pursue an education. He graduated from the Aristotelian University School of Medicine in Thessaloniki, Greece, in 1957. While in medical school, he was introduced to Clara Kirifides from Chester, PA. through a mutual friend and married in April 1955.
After his father passed away and with his mother’s blessing, he came to the United States where he started working in the Emergency rooms of Taylor Hospital and Crozer-Chester Hospital. He continued his training at St. Francis Hospital and the Delaware Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware.
In 1961, Costas moved his family to North Wilmington on Marsh Road, where he opened his medical practice. He became board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine in 1974 and remained so until his retirement in 1998.
Affectionately known as “Gus” by friends and family, he was a beloved family physician who made house calls, offered evening appointment hours, and held open hours on Saturdays, allowing anyone in need of a doctor to visit without an appointment. He was extremely devoted to his profession, often spending his spare time reading medical journals and staying informed about new developments. Costas traveled to many places of religious and historic significance, but one of his favorite pastimes was spending time in Ocean City, New Jersey.
Costas’s faith and his family were very important to him. He was a dedicated member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Wilmington, Delaware, for many years, and later became a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Media, Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Clara K. Terris, and his son-in-law, Dr. Richard Gervasio. Costas was also preceded in death by his parents and six siblings in Greece. Costas is survived by his daughter, Dr. Despina Terris; his son, Dr. Alexander Terris (Della); and his granddaughters Kalla Gervasio, Callie Terris, and Alexi Terris. He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.
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