Mike Prokos, 85, of Long Grove, Illinois fell asleep in our Lord on April 27, 2022. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Mike was born on January 25, 1937 in Kandyla, Arcadia, Greece. On March 8, 1952, at age 15, together with his youngest brother Gus, Mike embarked on his journey to America, leaving his beloved homeland behind. They arrived in New York’s Ellis Island on March 24, 1952 and traveled to Chicago to meet his siblings and their families. While Chicago was where he lived, his heart always remained in Kandyla.
Mike, along with his brothers, Angelo and Gus, opened Prokos Bros. Grocery and in 1965 they opened the House of Venus Beauty Salon in Chicago. Mike continued owning beauty salons until 1982 when he opened the Highland House Restaurant in Highland Park, Illinois with his brother-in-law, John Filopoulos. They have continued their successful partnership to this day.
Mike was the beloved husband of Vasiliki Prokos nee Drosos. They were married on February 19, 1961. Their fairy tale love story spanned over 61 years and was admired by all who knew them. Together they created a beautiful legacy. Loving father of Andrew Prokos, Dean Prokos, Frank (Michele) Prokos, and Frances (Ernie) Katris. Proudest grandfather of Michael Andrew, Peter Andrew, Michael Dean, Anthie Sophia, Victoria, Vasiliki Alexandra, Nikki, Vasiliki Sophia, Peter Michael, Alexa “Lexi” Anastasia, and Michael Raymond. His wife, children and grandchildren were his greatest joy in life. Dear brother of Gus (the late Betty) Prokos, and the late George (the late Frosini) Prokos, Panagiota (the late Dimitri) Kandalepas, Kostadina (the late George) Kontos, Gianoula (the late Theofani), and Angelo (survived by Diamanto) Prokos. Loving brother in law to the late Pano (Eleni) Drosos, George Drosos, Maria (John) Filopoulos, Kosmas (Tanya) Drosos, the late Vasilios (Vasiliki) Drosos, Athanasia (Kostas) Petmezas. Cherished son of the late Andreas and Fotini Prokopiou. Dear and beloved uncle, cousin, godfather, patrioti, koumbaro and friend to many who will greatly miss him. He was the Patriarch of a most incredible family, who always left an impression on anyone who met him. Mike was a man of great character, gracious to the very end and always had a kind and loving smile for everyone. His hospitality was felt by all who entered his home, and his legacy will continue on forevermore.
Family and friends will meet for visitation on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 4PM-8PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 941 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Trisagion Service will begin at 6:00 pm. Funeral service Monday, May 2, 2022 at 10:30AM at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church, 133 S. Roselle Road, Palatine. Funeral service may be viewed live or recorded at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church YouTube. Interment St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine. Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. 847-375-0095.
May his memory be eternal.
