Harry S. Panos

Died peacefully on December 10, 2008, at Eastcastle Place Bradford Terrace Convalescent Center, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born in Milwaukee on December 27, 1916. He was the son of Steve and Mary Panos, the brother of the late James Panos, and the brother-in-law of the late Helen Panos. He graduated in 1935 from the former West Division High School, where he was a member of the state championship fencing team. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1939, and taught languages at one of the University's extension divisions until he was drafted in the U.S. Army at the beginning of WWII. He was trained as a medical aid man and served in combat during the 44th Infantry Division's thrust through Alsace-Lorraine, France as part of the Rhineland Campaign. He was severely wounded in Wittring, France, in January 1945. Included among his military decorations and citations were the Bronze Star, the Combat Medical Badge, the Purple Heart and a Theatre Ribbon with one bronze battle star. After his return to Milwaukee, he attended and received his law degree from Marquette University Law School. He then joined Wisconsin Title Service Company, where he served many years as an attorney until his retirement. Harry was an avid reader, a history buff, and a lover of classical music, opera and fine wines. He was conversant in several foreign languages, including modern and ancient Greek, Spanish, Portuguese and French. For many years, he served with distinction as secretary, and later president, of the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). He is survived by a beloved cousin, Atty. George (Gesella) Stephan, who was raised in the same household as Harry, and by his late sister-in-law's siblings, Lillian Gegios, Atty. Steven (Nancy) Kailas, Tessa Kailas and Sylvia Kailas, and their children and grandchildren. Visitation will take place at ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 92nd and Congress, on Tuesday, December 16, at 10:00 – 10:30 AM. Funeral Service at 10:30 AM with Rev. Father James Dokos officiating. Entombment at Pinelawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Church would be appreciated.