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Local Chicago hoops star and husband, father & grandfather had battled prostate cancer for about 2 years before losing his battle this past Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Taken from Basketballmusuem.com:
George led the state in scoring during the 1965-66 season as a senior at (Chicago) Sullivan High School. He averaged 39.1 ppg. He was an All-Area and 2nd team All State selection before going on to play at Peninsula Junior College (WA) and The University of Illinois at Chicago. George averaged 27 ppg at Peninsula and became the single season scoring leader at UIC with 24 ppg. He is a member of the Flames’Hall of Fame.
George worked at AHEPA basketball, was a former park supervisor at Chicago Park District & Studied Political Science Major at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) where he is their all-time points leader with a 24.1ppg scoring average.
George Lived in Des Plaines with his wife, Bonnie Pruzaniec, herself a highly accomplished athlete & Judoka.
George was a driving instructor as well as a my personal friend from the gym for about 8-10 years. We met at the old LaFitness on Dempster in Morton Grove, worked out together and talked a dozens of occasions.
We also shot hoops several times over the years and George still had a sweet shot, even over the age of 70, and we teamed up to beat opponents decades younger than we.
George and I covered the Chet Coppick remembrance party about 4 years ago, where ex Chicago Bull Dave Corzine was in attendance and was a good friend of George as well.
George also had a basketball tournament named after him - the George Demos Pan Orthodox Tournament.
George leaves behind many friends & family members who will forever miss his infectious smile, quick wit & commentary, friendly nature & passion for staying fit & active.
Taken from Legacy.com, information on services for Mr. Demos:
Visitation will be Tuesday, November 26th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 West Talcott Road, Park Ridge, Illinois.
A prayer service given by Father John Kalomas will be at 7:00 p.m. The Demos Family invites their family and friends for a memorial dinner immediately following the visitation at Omega Restaurant, 9100 W. Golf Road, Niles, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Sports Scholarship (AHEPA) and the National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament Scholarship Fund (NHIBT) would be appreciated.
