Christopher G. Banakis

Christopher "Chris" George Banakis, age 75, born on September 24, 1952, to the late Sophia (Molls) and George Banakis died on January 20, 2026, in Palatine, IL. Beloved husband of 51 years of Gayle (Wapole). Loving father of Kathryn (Matt White) Banakis, Ellen (Jamie) Kearns, Margo (Will) Olson. Grandfather of TJ and Benji Kearns, Gabriel and Daniel White, and Christa and Gus Olson. Son of the late George and Sophia Banakis. He is survived by his beloved brothers James, Theodore (Karen), and Mark (Renee) Banakis and siblings-in-law Sharon Phillips, Patricia (Brizz) Wapole, Roderick (Laura Kroll) Wapole, Brian Wapole, and Claire (James Conway) Wapole as well as more than thirty nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

A 1968 graduate of Oak Park River Forest High School and 1972 graduate of Northeastern Illinois University, Chris dedicated 39 years of his professional life to Motorola, where he was known for his strong work ethic, integrity, and loyalty to sales teams across the U.S. and Asia. In his retirement he volunteered with the Service Corps of Retired Executives and the William Fremd High School entrepreneurship program. Chris was a joyful member of many churches throughout his life and held leadership roles and fostered dear relationships at Church of All Nations (Hong Kong, Hong Kong), Preston Meadow Lutheran Church (Plano, TX), Deer Grove Covenant Church (Palatine, IL), and St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Evanston, IL).

Chris's life was a testament to faith, service to others, family, and a life well lived.

A visitation will be held at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home (185 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL) on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. The memorial service will be at St. Luke's Episcopal Church (939 Hinman Ave, Evanston, IL, 60202) on January 31, 2026, at 10:00AM and will be livestreamed. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the' St. Lukes ELEVATE campaign to increase accessibility.