Renowned Greek-American Dr. George Korkos passed away on May 28 at the age of 89 at his home in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. A self-proclaimed sports fanatic known for his work in the medical field and for co-founding the Milwaukee Bucks back in 1968, Dr. Korkos was also a beloved supporter of the Greek-American community.  

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in September of 1931, Dr. Korkos earned an undergraduate education at Marquette University, and graduated in 1955 from Marquette dental school. He then went on to get his medical degree, graduating from Medical College of Wisconsin and further specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery at St. Louis University Medical School.

Finding his niche in facial reconstruction, Dr. Korkos went on to found Plastic Surgery Associates in Milwaukee, where he practiced cosmetic surgery for over 45 years. Outside of medicine, Dr. Korkos held board positions with Heritage Bank of Milwaukee, Marshall & Ilsley Bank of Milwaukee, and Brinks Security, having been appointed to the Presidential Rank Review board under President Reagan from 1980-1982.

A champion of the Hellenic heritage and supporter of various related efforts, Dr. Korkos founded the annual Telly Savalas Memorial Golf Classic in Palm Springs, California, out of which grew the National Hellenic Society, which he spearheaded, and where he remained a board member until his death. He also served as a youth mentor through Heritage Greece, a program through which Greek-American college students visit Greece to explore their roots.

In addition, Dr. Korkos was an early member of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 endowment fund, and served on boards and councils of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago.

“Dr. Korkos was an integral part of the National Hellenic Museum and a tireless supporter of our work. He gave generously of his time and treasure and remained an active participant in the strategic planning for the future of the museum,” said National Hellenic Museum Chairman of the Board of Trustees, John P. Calamos, Sr. in a statement. “[He] was an inspiration to me and was always one to unite our community, celebrate our heritage, and celebrate being together. He was a loving father, papou, and husband. He was my dear friend and he will be missed.”

Dr. Korkos was an academic lecturer and author on the topic of reconstructive surgery, and a member of numerous medical societies. In the years spanning his career, Dr. Korkos earned a number of accolades including the Outstanding Distinguished Alumnus Award for the Medical College of Wisconsin, among others.

“George was the patriarch of the Korkos family and lived for their happiness. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren, and George always made sure he was there to support their accomplishments and celebrate their successes,” reads a tribute on the Krause Funeral Home website. “He will always be remembered as the ultimate papou and the most loving father…”

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 W. National Ave., New Berlin, on Thursday, June 3, from 3 – 7PM. Trisagion Service at 6:30PM. Funeral Service at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 9400 W. Congress St., Milwaukee, on Friday, June 4, at 9AM. Burial to follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to George J. Korkos, M.D. Foundation, 300 Village Square Crossing, Suite 102, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410, or www.gjkfoundation.com.