Obituary

BOSTON -- George P. Makris, who gave more than half a century of service to Northeastern University as a student-athlete, fundraiser and philanthropist, passed away on Sunday night. He was 96.

"George was an iconic figure in our community," said Northeastern President Joseph E. Aoun. "But more than that, George was a friend—a friend to me, a friend to our university, and a friend to all who love our university. For more than 70 years, as both a student and staff member, George maintained an unwavering dedication to Northeastern, and he inspired that same dedication in others. My thoughts are with his wife, Helen, and the entire Makris family, who will forever remain part of our Northeastern family."
 
As a student-athlete, Makris earned three varsity letters for the Huskies in football, ice hockey and baseball. In a career that was split by World War II, he lettered as an offensive guard and defensive tackle in 1941, then returned after his tour of duty to letter in 1946 and 1947. Elected by his teammates as the 1947 captain, he won several all-star accolades for his bruising play that season.
 
Makris also earned one letter with the baseball team, and in 1947, with his football career behind him, Makris volunteered his services as the hockey manager. After several injuries to the varsity goalies, however, Makris was forced between the pipes and earned a varsity letter in ice hockey. 
 
Upon graduating with a degree in business in 1948, Makris began a 22-year career at Electrolux Corporation. He excelled in sales, and quickly rose through the ranks to become a division manager supervising more than 300 employees. 

After retiring from Electrolux in 1970, Makris returned to his alma mater. At first, he focused his efforts to the Varsity Club as president in 1975 and then as treasurer. His devotion to the University was evident and, in 1977, Makris became the first Director of Athletic Development. His first charge called for raising $150,000 for the general upgrading of the varsity athletic program. Within two years that figure had reached $500,000.
 
Makris' next project came in 1980 with the newly purchased Boston Arena. The Arena Fund Drive exceeded one million dollars as aging Boston Arena became the rejuvenated Matthews Arena. One of the highlights of the Arena is the handsome function facility which was named the George Makris Varsity Club Room. He also led campaigns for the restoration of both Parsons Field and Solomon Court.
 
He was inducted into the Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1983 for his accomplishments in football and for his achievements as the university's director of athletic development. 
 
"George Makris was a beloved and respected figure throughout the Northeastern community for more than a half century," said Peter Roby, director of athletics and recreation. "There are few people who embodied a lifelong passion for Northeastern University and our athletics programs more than George, and his dedication and love of Northeastern was unmatched. Our thoughts are with his wife Helen during this difficult time, as well as his sons Will and Phil, and the entire Makris family."

A creative fund-raiser, he initiated many annual golf tournaments and road races that brought in millions of dollars for athletic scholarships. He started the "Fight to Educate" program, a black tie evening with amateur fights that after 18 years, raised nearly $1 million. He was also a member of the Marlboro, Mass. Chapter of AHEPA, where he started an annual raffle that has raised over $50,000 for families in need, and he has also supported many AHEPA golf tournaments, including one in Corfu, Greece.
 
Makris was a long-time director and former president of the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the National Football Foundation and in 1997 was the recipient of their Distinguished American award.
 
In 2008, Makris and his wife, Helen, endowed the George P. and Helen C. Makris Family Scholarship fund, which annually supports a student-athlete. They have also generously supported numerous other scholarships, as well as the expansion and construction of multiple athletic facilities, and are members of the Frank Palmer Speare Society. 
 
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 4-8 p.m.  at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home (477 Washington St. (Rt.16) in Wellesley). Funeral service will be Thursday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (47 Brown St. in Weston). Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.
 
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in George's memory to George P. and Helen C. Makris Family Scholarship Fund, Northeastern University, University Advancement, 360 Huntington Ave. 402CP, Boston, Mass. 02115 or to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Furnishings Fund.