Dimitrios Karamanlidis

Dr. Dimitrios Karamanlidis, 64, of Narragansett, RI, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 19, 2012. He leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Hilde Gesch, his daughters Melina Lodge and Eleni Gesch-Karamanlidis, as well as his son-in-law Richard Lodge and beloved granddaughter Talia Quinn Lodge. In Greece he leaves behind his brothers Christos, Azarias and his wife Gerda, and Basilios and his wife Irmi, and his niece Melina and nephew Alexander. Dimitrios was a professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Rhode Island, where he taught, advised and researched for 28 years. He was devoted to the teaching aspect of his job and took particular interest in supporting his students throughout their careers. Dimitrios was a very recognizable figure in the athletic community of South County. For many years he was a constant presence in the running scene. He also rowed the Narrow River on a daily basis and pursued his passion for the sport up until the day of his death. He competed in rowing races throughout the Northeast for many years. In the last eight years he developed into an enthusiastic hiker. Together with his wife, he hiked nearly all the 4,000 footers in the White Mountains, nearly all National Parks and National Monuments in the U.S. , and many of the high mountains in Colorado and California. Dimitrios was an organ donor for the New England Organ Bank. His spirit will live on through the people who receive his final gifts and in the hearts of his family and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday December 1, 2012 at 2pm at the Alumni Center of the University of Rhode Island, 73 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI 02881. It would have been his wish, that in lieu of flowers, donations in his honor be made to the Welcome House of South County, Supported Housing Program, 8 North Road, Peace Dale, RI 02883 or the Rhode Island Center Assisting Those In Need, P.O. Box 204, Charlestown RI.