Obituary of George Michas

Michas, George James George James Michas, a successful entrepreneur, outstanding civic leader, and committed family man, died peacefully on Friday, February 4, 2011 due to complications of congestive heart failure in his home in Joliet, surrounded by his family and friends. He leaves behind a long legacy of community activism, political leadership, and business achievements at the local, regional and state level that spans over fifty years and contributed to the thoughtful growth and progress of the Will County area. Mr. Michas was eighty years old and just recently celebrated his birthday, along with his business partner of over fifty years, William Michas, where great tributes were made in his honor regarding the significant contributions he made to his nation, community and family. Born to Greek immigrants, James and Antonio (nee Mihalakos) Michas, on November 23, 1930, Mr. Michas grew up in the West Pullman area of Chicago. Witnessing the diligence and perseverance of his hardworking parents, it was during these early years that Mr. Michas was instilled with the value of a good education, active community service, and a strong work ethic. Upon graduation from high school, Mr. Michas was drafted in 1950 to the U.S. Army, 82nd Air Borne Division to serve his country in the Korean War. Upon discharge from the Army, he enrolled at Roosevelt University where he graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in 1956. It was at Roosevelt University that Mr. Michas met his wife, Margaret Ann Heath of Bronson, Iowa, and later wed in April 1957. Mr. Michas moved to the Joliet, Illinois area in 1960, and set out to start his own business. Along with his cousin, Bill Michas, Mr. Michas bought his first liquor store in 1960 and began building the Michas & Michas business enterprise. Through the partners' exceptional business sense, Consumers Liquors grew to include 9 stores, becoming one of the state's largest chains of retail liquor stores at the time. Over the next five decades, Mr. Michas' keen leadership, investment and management skills leveraged the expansion of his business enterprise to include founding of the Bank of Shorewood, real estate, and various retail ventures. Not only was Mr. Michas an exceptional businessman, but he was also one of the region's most committed and remarkable volunteers and community leaders holding many key roles in numerous civic, charitable, and political organizations. A longtime resident of Lockport, Mr. Michas served on over a dozen city committees, councils, and organizations in leadership positions providing insight and guidance during a period of major growth and change in that town. Most notable, Mr. Michas served as Director of Old Canal Days of Lockport for nine years, chaired the Lockport Multiple Sclerosis Fund Drive for over ten years, and was Vice President of the Lockport Chamber of Commerce for seven years. Mr. Michas' tireless and dynamic dedication to his community also extended to the City of Joliet and Will County where he served as chairmen to the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission and the Housing Authority of Joliet for nearly a decade. In 1978, Mr. Michas' leadership skills were recognized by Governor James Thompson who appointed him as Chairman of the Joliet Regional Port Authority, a position he was reappointed to and held until present time. Mr. Michas' distinguished service to his community was honored by Lewis University in 2001 when he was awarded the De La Salle Award and by the Joliet Regional Port District in 2008 when he received an honorable citation for his thirty years of service. To round out his life portfolio, Mr. Michas believed in the importance of being an active American citizen and participating in the political process. In the early 1960s, Mr. Michas became a founding member and later President of the Young Republicans of Will County. This organization was his springboard into Republican politics at the city, county, state, and national levels. For over a decade each, Mr. Michas served as Chairman of the Lockport Township Republicans, an Executive Committee Member of the Will County Republican Organization, and a Republican Precinct Committeeman. In 1984, Mr. Michas traveled to Dallas as an alternate delegate at the Republican National Convention which nominated Ronald Regan. Not only was Mr. Michas dedicated to the betterment of his community, but also the well-being of his family in which he emphasized the importance of a good education, a strong work ethic, worldwide travel, and cultural experiences. Mr. Michas was proud that he was able to provide all these opportunities to his children over his lifetime. Mr. Michas was also an avid supporter of the arts and held season tickets at both the Chicago Lyric Opera and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Although Mr. Michas never considered himself "retired," over the past eight years he enjoyed spending the winter months in Scottsdale, Arizona with his friend and companion, Doris Smith. Preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Margaret Michas (2001); and his brother, Christopher Michas. Survived by his four children, Christina (George) Watson of St. Charles, IL, James (Sara) Michas of Southborough, MA, Michael Michas of Joliet, and Clifton Michas of Plainfield; four grandchildren, George, Zoe, Alexandra and Elizabeth; he also leaves his sister, Stephanie (Lekas) Leider of Western Springs, IL; companion, Doris Smith of New Lenox; and sister-in-law, Sophia Michas. Funeral Services for George J. Michas will be Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home chapel with Brother James Gaffney officiating. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. For those who wish, George may be remembered through donations to Joliet Area Community Hospice or the George J. Michas Scholarship Fund at Lewis University. Visitation Sunday 2-7 p.m. with Trisagion Services at 3:00 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500