In Memoriam
Dr. Stephen Louis Kondis
May 17, 1928 – March 24, 2020
Continued progress and relentless
dedication are attributes which accurately
describe Dr. Stephen L. Kondis and his
tremendous career. He credited his
success on “staying focused,” which was his
theme as Pennsylvania Dental Association
(PDA) President in 1992-93.
Next to my father, Steve was the most influential mentor in my
professional career. He was a great dentist, leader and friend.
He was born in Homestead, Pa. in 1928 and graduated from
Munhall High School in 1946. He served in Japan and Korea as a
U.S. Signal Corps photographer for General Douglas MacArthur
prior to receiving his B.S. in 1951 and his dental degree in 1953
from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
(UPSDM). After completing an Oral Surgery Residency at West
Penn Hospital, he practiced general dentistry in Munhall for 35
years. He served as the Chief of the Dental Department at the
Homestead Center South Hills Health System for 20 years. He
served as a faculty member for 45 years at UPSDM and Executive
Director of the UPSDM Alumni for 3 years.
Steve held many dental leadership positions at the local, state,
and national level, including his service as president of the
PDA, Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry (PAGD), Dental
Society of Western Pennsylvania (DSWP), South Hills Dental
Society, Sigma Graduate Chapter Delta Sigma Delta, Dental
Alumni Council UPSDM, and the Medical Bureau of Pittsburgh.
In addition to his term as president, he was also elected PDA
secretary for two years, PDA Speaker of the House for five years
(1986-1991), and PAGD Secretary for four years. He served on
and chaired numerous councils and committees for the American
Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD),
PDA, PAGD and the American College of Dentists (ACD). Steve
served as an ADA delegate for 28 years, PDA delegate for 10
years and AGD delegate for 8 years. He was chair of the Western
PA Section ACD and editor of various publications, including
five years for PAGD’s The General Practitioner. He also served five
years as Regional Dental Director for Aetna Life and Casualty.
“Dr. Kondis was truly a dedicated, devoted colleague and friend.
He will always be remembered as one of our most distinguished
and outstanding professional leaders,” said Dr. Raymond Lancione.
Steve has received many professional honors and awards,
including the ACD Lifetime Achievement Award, the Pierre
Fauchard Academy (PFA) State Award of Recognition, UPSDM
Distinguished Alumnus Award, AGD Distinguished Service
Award, DSWP Dr. Albert R. Pechan Award for Excellence, North
Carolina AGD Distinguished Service Award, and various
publication awards as editor. He earned Fellowships in the ACD,
International College of Dentists, AGD, PFA, Academy of
Dentistry International, and a Mastership in the AGD.
“Dr. Kondis was always very professional in every setting. He was a
great mentor to myself and many others,” said Dr. Cynthia Schuler.
“Dr. Kondis was a true gentleman and his faith was unwavering.”
In addition to his professional career, he was devoted to Eleanor,
his wife of 66 years, and his three children, five grandchildren,
and one great-granddaughter. He was an active member of
civic and religious organizations including the Homestead Lions
Club, St. Therese RC Church, the John Munhall Neighborhood
House, and the First Home Savings Association. He was a lifelong
amateur photographer, golfer, and fan of Pitt sports.
Dr. Stephen L. Kondis was a mentor and role model for many
dentists. He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to
know him.
— Dr. Donald Stoner, PDA Tenth District Trustee 2007-2011,
PAGD President 1988-1989
Dr. Raymond W. Augustine
Mansfield
University of Pittsburgh (1974)
Born: 1949
Died: 4/21/2020
Dr. John L. Kautz
Apollo
University of Pittsburgh (1961)
Born: 1935
Died: 4/1/2020
Dr. Stephen L. Kondis
Verona
University of Pittsburgh (1953)
Born: 1928
Died: 3/24/2020
Dr. Ronald R. Sepic
Uniontown
The Ohio State University (1971)
Born: 1945
Died: 3/28/2020
Dr. Eugene W. Feldman
Lewistown
University of Pittsburgh (1942)
Born: 1918
Died: 3/26/2020
Dr. Richard D. Knowlton
Elizabethtown
Temple University (1983)
Born: 1956
Died: 3/11/2020
Dr. Donald R. Morrell
Natrona Heights
University of Pittsburgh (1956)
Born: 1930
Died: 3/18/2020
Dr. Elmer R. Umbenhauer
Cape May Courthouse
Temple University (1953)
Born: 1925
Died: 5/18/2020
JULY/AUGUST 2020 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 13