Neocles B. Leontis, Professor of Chemistry at Bowling Green State University and Bowling Green City Council member, who was as passionate about science as he was compassionate in his pursuit of social justice and environmental sustainability, was killed in a car crash just outside Bowling Green on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. He was 65 years old.
Born in 1955 in Midland, Michigan, to Thomas and Anna Leontis, a metallurgical engineer and teacher respectively, Leontis grew up in a bilingual household. In addition to Greek, he learned German, Russian, and French.
When he was 8 years old, Leontis became a member of the “Metaphysical Society,” a group of scientists, including an atheist, deist, and Orthodox Christian, who met monthly at his parents’ home to discuss books on subjects such as the immortality of the soul. Through the assigned readings, he reveled in the debate on matters of life and death.
He never ceased to explore big questions or refrained from difficult dialogue. After finishing high school in Columbus, Ohio (1973), he earned a B.S. in chemistry from Ohio State University (1977), Master’s in physical chemistry from Harvard Graduate School (1981), and Ph.D. in biophysical chemistry from Yale University (1986). He became professor of Chemistry at Bowling Green State University in 1987 and chaired the BGSU Faculty Senate in 2003.
Leontis was an internationally known, highly respected biochemist. His research dealt with aspects of how cells function at the molecular level with a focus on Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA) and the diverse roles they play in living organisms. Specifically, he studied RNA 3D structures using an integrated biophysical, biochemical, and bioinformatic approach. He published two books and was issued six patents. He served as a program officer for the National Science Foundation (2009-2012) and helped secure $10 million in grant-funded activities, including a new $3 million grant from NIH.
Leontis’s collaborations crossed international and disciplinary lines. He had two major collaborators. With Eric Westhof, a French biochemist at the University of Strasbourg and member of the Academie des Sciences, he worked to establish the building blocks and motifs of RNA architecture. At BGSU, he collaborated with Craig Zirbel, Professor of Mathematics, for two decades. Together they published 27 papers and were the Principal Investigators of the RNA Structural Bioinformatics Research Group.
His research projects worked in line with his teaching. Former students remember him as an extraordinary teacher and mentor: a guide not only in academics but also in life. He was acutely aware of divisions in society and wanted to make scientific education accessible to anyone who developed a love for it. He was particularly eager to introduce first-generation college students to the possibilities of scientific research.
Leontis was very much a man of action who championed many causes. He felt a responsibility to the weakest members of the planet. While still in graduate school, he became active in the Nuclear Freeze Campaign. When his attention shifted to climate change, he committed considerable research time to address the crisis. His activities ranged from speaking on green energy to advocating for composting, providing economical paths to home insulation, and organizing citizen action to build the largest municipal solar array in all of Ohio. He was a founding member of the Black Swamp Green Team, a collaboration of faith communities, advocacy groups, non-profit entities, and individuals engaged in promoting and practicing good creation care.
His desire for social justice writ large, including fair housing policies and livable conditions for everyone, led him to run for City Council and win a seat beginning in January 2020. Driven by commitment to bring about meaningful change, and extremely well-read on every topic, he was humble enough to recognize his own limits, and he embraced the requirement of collective action. No one is big enough to make change alone.
Leontis was a dedicated husband, father, brother, teacher, colleague, collaborator, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Vassiliki Leontis, who was his advocate and supporter; daughters Evangelia (Travis) and Natalia Van Steene; sister Artemis (Vassilis); niece Daphne Vander Roest (Michael); former wife Deanne Snavely (Bob); a loving extended family; and fellow citizens.
The family is planning a (remote) musical memorial on January 17, 2021, Leontis’s birthday, and a community celebration of his life when it is safe for people to congregate again. Donations in his memory may be made to the Union of Concerned Scientists or any organization that supports civil liberties and social justice.
Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home & Crematory of Bowling Green is honored to serve Neocles’ family and encourages those wishing to send a condolence or a fond memory to visit www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
Statement from Bowling Green State University:
Dr. Neocles Leontis, professor in the Department of Chemistry, passed away unexpectedly in a car accident on Tuesday, Dec. 8.
Serving as a faculty member since 1987, Leontis was held in high regard as a researcher and educator. He received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and completed his graduate work at Harvard University and his doctorate at Yale University in 1986. His research interests focused on DNA and RNA 3D structures, using an integrated biophysical, biochemical and bioinformatic approach. He authored several books and many articles, and he was issued six patents. He served as a program officer for the National Science Foundation from 2009 to 2012. In addition, Leontis helped secure more than $7 million in grant-funded activities. He also developed the consortial bioinformatics program with the University of Toledo. He received many awards, including Bowling Green State University’s Paul J. Olscamp Research Award in 2006 and Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012
Beyond his role on the faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences, Leontis was a leader at the University and in the City of Bowling Green. He served as a former chair of Faculty Senate in 2003, and he was elected to an at-large seat on the Bowling Green City Council in 2019. As a public servant, he championed sustainability initiatives from composting food waste to installing more bike lanes to preserving Bowling Green as a true college town.
During his time at BGSU, Leontis mentored countless undergraduate and graduate students, including two who received the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, and was known for his innovative teaching and learning. His colleagues and students remember him for his commitment to advancing the field of chemistry, but also as a kind individual who cared deeply about the success of students and enhancing the vibrancy of Bowling Green.
The University mourns his tragic loss and shares in his family and friends’ sorrow. Condolences to his family can be sent to sympathy@bgsu.edu, and the University will deliver them. Please also keep his wife, Vassiliki Leontis, who is an alumna of BGSU, in your thoughts as we wish her a full recovery from the accident.
As students and faculty complete their final exams this week virtually, counselors are still available to help the community cope with this loss. Students may contact the BGSU Counseling Center to be connected directly with a counselor. Faculty and staff may receive support through the University’s Employee Assistance Program.
