Lasting Memories

Constantine George Sevastopoulos
Nov. 18, 1942-June 23, 2023
Palo Alto, California

Constantine “Costa” G. Sevastopoulos, a longtime resident of Palo Alto, California, passed away on June 23, 2023, at the age of 80. Born in Athens, Greece, to George Constantine and Irene “Nina” Sevastopoulos (née Roumeliotakis), Costa’s legacy lives on through his wife, Julie; his children, George “Andy” (Breanne) and Elena (David); his cherished grandchildren, Audrey “Alex,” Daphne, and August “Auggie”; and his brother, Nello Sevastopoulos of Los Gatos, California.

In May 2023, Costa made his long-awaited return to Greece after years of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. While there, he became ill. Elena, his daughter, brought him back to Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, where he was diagnosed with gastric cancer. Per his wishes, he spent his final weeks at home, surrounded by family and friends, and passed away peacefully less than a month later.

Costa’s life was marked by a series of achievements, both professional and personal. His academic journey began at the University of Athens, where he earned a degree in Physics in 1965. In 1966, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, which allowed him to pursue further studies in the United States. He went on to receive an M.S. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and later an M.B.A. from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. After brief tenures at IBM and Hewlett-Packard, he transitioned into the field of biomedical sciences and biotechnology, earning his Ph.D. in Biophysics and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Berkeley in 1976. Early in his career, Costa held directorial and managerial positions in companies such as CETUS Corp., Alafi Capital Co., and Genentech. Mid-career, he co-founded and served as a scientific advisor for BioHellas and Delphi Bioventures. Later in his career, he sat on executive boards and took on consulting roles at several pioneering companies such as CV Therapeutics, Norian, Metra Biosystems, IDUN, and Applied Molecular Evolution.

Beyond his professional achievements, Costa’s passions were deeply rooted in his family, culture, and intellectual curiosity. He was an avid reader and devoted correspondent, delighting in sharing news articles and sending heartfelt emails to friends and family for birthdays, name days, or simply to “check in.” He loved jazz, classical, and Greek music, exploring foreign films, and engaging in thought-provoking conversations and mentoring others. He took great joy in discovering new foods and wines. He cherished time spent at the home that he built in Agios Syllas, Crete in the early 2000s.

Costa was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who took immense pride in his children and grandchildren. He doted on them, celebrating their accomplishments and always offering his love, wisdom, and support. His life was honored in August 2023 with a celebration in his Palo Alto home, attended by friends and family. His ashes were scattered in the garden of his home in Agios Syllas, where his memory will live on.

His family takes comfort in sharing this remembrance now, after having had time to grieve and reflect on his remarkable life.

When you visit Greece, raise a glass, share a story, and remember him with love.