Dr. Nicholas Dunkas of Evanston, IL (born in Athens, Greece), peacefully passed on December 19, 2020 (his 94th birthday). He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Catherine “Katie” Dunkas who passed on June 13, 2019. Dr. Dunkas was the father of Grace Jansen London (Jim), John Dunkas (Teresa), and Stella Dunkas Wilson (Gavin). He was a proud “Pappou” of six grandchildren, Katarina Wilson (Cody Crook), Nicole Jansen, Hunter Wilson, Melina Jansen, Nikko Dunkas, and Yanni Dunkas.
Dr. Nicholas Dunkas was a native of Athens, Greece, and a graduate of the University of Athens Medical School in 1953. He moved to the U.S. in 1955 married his adored Katie in Washington DC. They moved to Peoria, Illinois where he continued his medical training, first completing his residency at Peoria State Hospital followed by his fellowship training in Neuro-Psychiatry at the prestigious Illinois State Psychiatric Institute of Chicago. Dr. Dunkas was in private practice for over 50 years, focusing on transcultural psychiatry, intra family relationships, and medical ethics. In 1990, he was honored to become a Lifetime Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Dunkas was also an esteemed author and lecturer of numerous publications in psychiatric journals and lectured both nationally and internationally on various psychiatric case studies and medical ethics. His most prized accomplishment as an author is a book containing the translations of the “Works of Hippocrates” from Ancient Greek text directly to English.
When Nicholas wasn’t practicing psychiatry, you could find him enjoying the outdoors, hiking, skiing, swimming, boating, or enjoying time with family and friends. He lived a wonderful life, and is now at peace together again with his dearest Katie.
Due to unprecedented times, the family will hold a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in his honor to The Hellenic Medical Society of Chicago and The Greek-American Rehabilitation and Nursing Services.
May His Memory Be Eternal