Arthur Thomas Dabilis

CHELMSFORD – Arthur Thomas Dabilis, age 86, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away unexpectedly at Lowell General Hospital on Monday, August 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Regina P. (Eliopoulos) Dabilis with whom he enjoyed 59 years of marriage.

He was born in Lowell on February 6, 1940, and was the son of the late Thomas and Constance (Fousias) Dabilis.

Arthur attended the Hellenic Greek American School and was a graduate of Lowell High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University where he was on the basketball team. Throughout his life he continued his education taking courses at Boston University, Harvard University, and the University of New Hampshire. He was an English Professor at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Bridgewater State University, and was a teaching fellow at Northeastern University. Being a professor was his passion that continued on into his retirement as he mentored young people as they embarked on their education and careers. Arthur was an outstanding photographer who photographed weddings, baptisms, and special occasions for his family and dear friends. His work has been on display in several local churches. He was a classical music aficionado who collected a library of music as well as a library of literature pertaining to his career.

Words quoted by his nephew at Arthur’s service “A great man is not only quantified by his own achievements, but by how much he gives to see the accomplishments in others.” Arthur was what one would call a Greek professor in a fine English suit. Arthur was a storyteller, and although family and friends enjoyed listening to him more, Arthur always preferred to hear about others. So, through the books we read, the stories we tell, and the lectures we hear, Arthur will always be by our side and remain with us forever.

In addition to his loving wife, Regina, Arthur leaves his sister-in-law Helen Dabilis, his nephews Tom, Philip, and Sam Dabilis, his niece Tina Dabilis, and several grandnephews and grandnieces. He also leaves his brothers-in-law Daniel P. Eliopoulos and Dr. John Eliopoulos, his sister-in-law Despina Zouzas, and his beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews on the Eliopoulos is side of the family.

Sadly, he was predeceased by his siblings Harry and John Dabilis, and Sophia Wourgiotis, and his nephew Thomas Wourgiotis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church Campaign Fund, 25 Father John Sarantos Way, Lowell, MA 01854.

His funeral service and interment were held privately by his family at the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church.

Unquestionably, Arthur will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him, even as a casual acquaintance. “No matter what anybody says about grief and about time healing all wounds, the truth is there are certain sorrows that never fade away until the heart stops beating and the last breath is taken.”

Those who were fortunate to spend time with him on a regular basis had a deep and abiding respect for him that is perhaps impossible to fathom in simple words. He lived a full, active life and accomplished a great deal in his short 86 years. As the British poet William Wordsworth so knowingly observed:

“That best portion of a man’s life
His little, nameless unremembered
Acts of kindness and love.”

And perhaps just as knowingly, the British poet, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, observed in his famous poem Ulysses, the following:

Tho’ We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
…Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Finally, with apologies to the great Irving Berlin for the following changes:

The song is ended, but the beautiful, beautiful memories linger on.
Arthur, dear heart we will NEVER forget you. You will be missed by all who knew and loved you.

May your memory be ever eternal.