George John Sanidas

George John Sanidas, adoring husband of Carole (nee Marshall), loving father of John (Andrea) and Steven, and beloved grandfather of Alexander, Sophia and Ava, was welcomed into eternal life on January 26, 2025 by a multitude of angels and Saints at the age of 87.

George, the son of Greek immigrant John and Sally Sanidas (nee Foucas), was born on April 4, 1937 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Sanidas family lived in the city of Milwaukee where he attended Hawley Road School and graduated from Juneau High School. While in high school, George started working at Petroff’s custard stand. George helped the Petroff family transition from the custard to bowling business. During his time at Petroff’s, he met the love of his life, Carole Marshall. They married on October 13th, 1968, and would remain soulmates for over 56 years. They had 2 sons, John and Steven, and began raising their young family in Milwaukee. In 1978, they relocated to North Lake where they continued to live until George’s passing.

Growing up in an immigrant family meant money was scarce, and work started at a young age. This instilled George’s fierce work ethic. After years of working at Petroff’s, and at the age of 50, he and Carole made the decision to break off on their own. They bought a long time supper club in Hartland called the Cobblestone Inn. The restaurant took off and was eventually named Lake Country’s best supper club due to George’s front of the house personality and Carole’s hard work behind the scenes. This success would lead to them opening another business on Pewaukee Lake called the Sports Dock. George and Carole would eventually sell the Cobblestone and run the Sports Dock until he called it a career at age 78.

George’s success in life is directly related to his larger than life personality. He had a unique superpower where he knew exactly what to say to someone. He knew when to joke, when to be loud, or when to be quiet. He loved people and people loved him. His personality is a direct reflection of his faith. George and his family were dedicated members of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church since the inception and his love and devotion to the church were unwavering.

His work ethic was both a blessing and a curse. The little downtime he had was spent with his wife and children, golfing, a good Sunday drive, or just relaxing by his pool. One of his fondest memories was golfing with lifelong friends from church in the “Greek Open”

George’s professional career in the service industry provided a launchpad to dedicate time and expertise to different charities. He coordinated the annual Cobblestone Golf outing where all of the proceeds went to the ProHealth Hospital system. George also sponsored the St. Lukes’s annual transplant picnic.

He received spectacular healthcare throughout his lifetime. He had a very complicated medical history including a heart transplant that added 26 years of life. The Sanidas family would especially like to thank Dr. John Betz and Dr. David Goldberg from Madison Medical Affiliates and the entire cardiac transplant team at St Luke’s hospital.

George lived his life with joy. His smile and laughter were infectious. When he walked into a room, it came to life. He saw good in everybody and shared his joy with every life he touched. He lived a full life. A life filled with love, laughter and kindness. While those of us on Earth will miss him dearly, we are consoled with the knowledge that his love of life and compassion for others will live on in the memories of those who had the fortune to know him.

George was preceded in death by his father, John Sanidas; mother Sally Sanidas; sister Joanne Sanidas, and his aunt Diane Alexander (nee Foucas). He is survived by his wife, Carole; son John (Andrea); son Steven; grandchildren Alexander (fiancé Janey Weber), Sophia, Ava and countless friends.

Services will be Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 10:30 AM, preceded by a visitation from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 9400 West Congress Street Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Burial immediately after service at Pinelawn Memorial Park with luncheon to follow at the James W. Pihos Cultural Center located on the church grounds.

In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

May his memory be eternal.