MIDDLETON - Thomas John Paras, age 75, of Middleton, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026. He was born, Athanasius John Paraskevoulakos, on December 12, 1950, the son of John and Irene (Logothetis) Paraskevoulakos.

Tom was born in Nea Xora, Kastri Arcadias, Greece. He was raised in a small mountain village surrounded by his extended family. He completed his high school education in Greece.

Tom immigrated to the United States with his sister Georgia in September of 1967. He and his sister joined their sister Giota, her husband Stavros, their daughters Rula and Iphigenia, his brother Kosta (Gus) and his father John. Tom adapted to a new country and language while working at restaurants in Chicago igniting his passion for cooking.

Tom moved to Madison in 1972 to work with his brother Gus who was at that time opening Athen’s Restaurant on State Street. Tom moved on to open several bars and discos and eventually owned and operated Amy’s Cafe, a popular bar and restaurant, a destination for students and all who loved the State Street area for over 30 years. In 2015 Tom designed and opened Freska Mediterranean Grill in Greenway Station in Middleton, creating the Greek and Mediterranean menu he always dreamed of. He enjoyed 10 years at Freska, his most creative venture, with a great staff and loyal customers.

Tom loved gardening and each year created a lovely perennial landscape in his home in Fox Bluff. His happiest times were his backyard parties grilling great food and enjoying his pool with family and friends. Above all, Tom took great pride in his daughter Sofia - she was the joy of his life.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Sofia Paras; brother and sister-in-law, Gus and Mary Paraskevoulakos and nieces and nephews, Vince, John, Marina, Eve and Anna. He is further survived by his sisters, Giota, Martha and Maria; and extended family and friends in Greece. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Georgia and Angelo Penesis; and brother-in-law, Stavros, the first of the family to come to America.

A funeral service will be held at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 N. Seventh St., Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, with Father Chris Margellos presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Final resting place will be at Middleton Junction Cemetery.

The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the staff at Agrace Hospice for their excellent care for Tom and our family.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Thomas John Paras (Athanasius John Paraskevoulakos)

December 12, 1950 - March 15, 2026

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