Friends & Family Said Goodbye to Chicago Hoops Star George Demos

Well known and well regarded Chicago & Illinois basketball star who shined in the 60s and 70s has died at the age of 76 after a 2 year battle with prostate cancer.

George Thanos Demos starred at Sullivan high school in Chicago in the mid 1960's, and led the team in scoring. He is a member of the Basketball Musuem of Illinois, which provides the following information:

'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.'

Also In attendance for the memorial services at Nelson Funeral Home in Park Ridge Tuesday night was DePaul standout and former Chicago Bull Dave Corzine, who was a long time friend of Mr. Demos. Another local sports reporter, Jim O’Donnell from the Daily Herald attended and was sitting next to Mr. Corzine.

Demos' family including his daughter and son and their spouses were also in attendance, along with his second wife, Bonnie Pruzaniec, a world-class Judoka and Jui-Jitsu instructor.

This reporter new Demos from LaFitness for approximately 10 years and shot hoops with him for the past 3-4 years as well. George still had an excellent shot even at past 70 years old. George was a humble man, despite his basketball fame here in the Chicago Area.

He was also a Supervisor for the Chicago Park District, as well as a driving school instructor.