Dean George

Bannos

Dean Bannos, a native of Chicago, IL and lifelong Chicago sports fan, passed away on November 8, 2026, at 70 years young.

Dean’s spirit is with his beloved wife of 46 years, Susan Bannos, and daughters Stephanie Bannos-Ryback and Valerie (Bannos) Jobb, and he’s passed the torch to watch out for his daughters to his son-in-laws Danny Ryback and Jon Jobb. Dean’s siblings and cherished in-laws include his sister Ellen (Bannos) Nottke and the late Mike Nottke, brother Michael and Marianne Bannos, brother Philip and Nancy Bannos, late brother Peter Bannos, and brother-in-law Carl and Wendy Franco. He will forever be the fun uncle (“funcle”) to Micki (Nottke) Reinhardt, Jill (Nottke) Donovan, Marc Bannos, John Bannos, Steven Bannos, Michael Franco and Anna Franco. His parents, John and Georgia Bannos, are now reunited with their eldest son.

Beyond his unwavering loyalty to his family and endearing pride for his daughters, Dean’s purpose in life was to bring joy, lightness, and acceptance to everyone around him. He was adored by his customers as the owner of Dean’s Grill for over 30 years, where he served his community as if at his own table, always striking up a conversation, telling a joke, and making sure everyone left with a smile. He retired to North Fort Myers, Florida, where his purpose continued as he served his community through laughter and camaraderie.

Dean was always active, energetic and full of life, and he was blessed to have a short end-stage experience with Parkinson’s taking that energy from his body. His family is forever grateful to Hope Hospice for their compassion and support, and enabling Dean to pass in the comfort of his home surrounded by his girls, Susie, Valerie and Stephanie, recalling memories, playing the songs they loved to listen to him play on the piano, and assuring him that he’s done everything he can for them, and more.