Paul G. Vrakas

Paul George Vrakas, born November 23, 1927 in Waukesha to George and Adeline Vrakas, died December 10, 2025, surrounded by family. Aged 98, he was grateful to enjoy a Greek and Italian upbringing, a fulfilling life, a sharp mind as he aged and, until quite recently, good health. A lifelong Waukesha resident, Paul was an exceptional husband and father, dedicated public servant, successful businessman, accomplished musician, and a cherished presence in the community he loved so deeply.

Paul proudly served in the National Guard during the Korean War as a Mess Sergeant. After the war he ran several popular restaurants, including Paul’s Metropolitan, where countless friendships were formed and memories made. His commitment to the city deepened in 1970 when he became Waukesha’s first full-time and longest serving mayor, in office from 1970 to 1978, and again from 1986 to 1994. He presided over a period of rapid growth, reforming the city’s administrative structure and spearheading downtown redevelopment as well as the Fox River Corridor. He reached out to include minority voices, focusing on city planning, affordable housing and collaborative decision making. Paul cultivated cultural growth by establishing relationships with sister cities and made memorable goodwill trips to Nicaragua and Kazakhstan. Later he served as a County Board Supervisor and as a member of the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. Over the years he became friends with, and offered counsel to, political leaders like Governor Lee Dreyfus and cultural figures like Les Paul.

A gifted clarinetist, Paul led numerous jazz combos over the years, sharing his passion for music at community events, gatherings, and public performances in Waukesha and his winter home of Venice, Florida, where he played live twice a week well into his 90s. His love of music, paired with his warm sense of humor and easygoing nature, made him a favorite among fellow musicians and audiences alike.

Paul was exceptionally generous and he and Evelyn have been devoted to community life, participating in many civic and charitable organizations including the Jaycees, American Cancer Society, Civic Theater, and endowing a scholarship to honor their son Timothy, who died in 1980. Their leadership, generosity, and steady presence has touched countless lives.

Paul Vrakas will be remembered as a political mentor, a tireless champion of the City of Waukesha, a humble and unassuming public servant, a joyous jazz musician with an amazing tone, an avid philanthropist willing to share his success to help others, a thoughtful student of human nature, a steadfastly positive and optimistic man, and a devoted husband and exceptional father. He exuded a sense of gratitude, humility, contentment, compassion and fair-mindedness. These qualities earned him respect, success, and friendship and he will be truly missed.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Evelyn; his sons Daniel and Andrew (Nora); his brother Bob (Diane); brother-in-law Cleve Crossman (Kathleen); his grandchildren Paula, Sara (Chris Wright), Timothy, and Benjamin; and his great-grandchildren Wesley, Reagan, and Carter Wright. Paul was preceded in death by his beloved son Timothy George in 1980. A celebration of Paul’s remarkable life will take place on January 18, 2026, from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Rotunda in downtown Waukesha.