Adonis Paraskevas

Adonis Paraskevas (aka “Birbas”), 76, passed away at his home on Monday, June 8, 2026 after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His presence, positivity, and energetic joy for life will be deeply missed by all.

Adonis was born August 1949 on the island of Spetses, Greece, to Kalliopi and Kristos Paraskevas. His hardworking nature developed at a young age - he was the eldest of six children, and at the age of 13, his father passed away and Adonis started working to support his family. He began working in construction at that age, driving a tractor with supplies to worksites, and later as an electrician’s helper, learning as much as he could. He even helped bring electricity into his family’s home. He later served in the Greek Army as a green beret paratrooper.

In 1977 he met Gail Klipstein who was backpacking through Europe with a friend, and Spetses was their last stop. They met while dining at a restaurant nicknamed “Three Orange Doors.” He asked her to stay, and that was the beginning of their love story, which led to a beautiful life together and 48 years of marriage. They lived in Spetses for over three years before returning to the Madison, WI area where Gail had grown up and where they had their two children, Kristos and Amelia, whom he loved dearly and was so proud of. Adonis loved being self-employed and was proud of the lawncare and snow removal business he built in Madison over more than 33 years.

He embraced life fully. He was a social butterfly and the life of every party. He never shied away from a party and could be counted on to start the Greek dancing at any Greek celebration. In Greece, Adonis loved spending his time fishing, having coffee with family and friends, and dancing at tavernas - in the 1970s, he could be seen with his signature move of dancing with a table in his mouth. In Wisconsin, he enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, fishing, golfing, hunting, playing cards, and having coffee with friends.

He was a selfless and generous man with a heart of gold who deeply loved his wife and kids, made friends with anyone he encountered, and never hesitated to help others. In the days since his passing, so many have shared the impact and impression he made on them, even after only meeting him once. He found joy in all aspects of life and never took life too seriously. His boisterous laugh, beaming smile, elaborate storytelling, and joyful spirit will be greatly missed by his family and countless friends across the United States and Greece.

He is survived by his wife, Gail; son, Kristos; daughter, Amelia; son-in-law, Carlos; sister, Marina; brother, Kristos; many brothers- and sisters-in-law; and nieces, nephews, and cousins across the United States and Greece. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Nikoleta, Dimitra, and Katina in Greece.

Adonis faced Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) with the same strength, resilience, and grace that defined his life. We hope his story will help bring greater awareness to this rare disease and the families affected by it. In honor of Adonis, please take a moment to learn about PSP and consider supporting organizations dedicated to PSP research, patient care, and family support.

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible team at Agrace Hospice for their care over the last few months, especially Nikki, Hayley, and Beth. They showed immense care and compassion throughout a very sad and stressful time. Thank you also to the many family and friends who have offered and continue to offer love, prayers, and support to Adonis, Gail, Kristos, Amelia, and Carlos in this difficult time. We hope to approach life as Adonis did - with a smile and a laugh - and encourage you to do the same.