George Paraskevaides
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
George Paraskevaides (1916 – December 5, 2007) was a Cypriot philanthropist and businessman who focused on the construction business in Europe and the Middle East.[1] Paraskevaides was one of the co-founders of Joannou & Paraskevaides, an important international construction firm based in Cyprus, with fellow Cypriot, Stelios Ioannou.[1]
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[edit] Early life
Paraskevaides was born in Athens, Greece, in 1916.[1] His family moved to Cyprus when he was very young.[1] He studied architecture at Politecnico di Milano in Milan, Italy.[1]
[edit] Career
Paraskevaides joined forces with Stelios Ioannou following the end of World War II. Together the two partners founded the Joannou & Paraskevaides company, which is better known as J&P.[1] Their company would eventually grow into a major international construction giant, with dozens of projects throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.[1]
He was also well known for his philanthropic work. He helped to build an organ transplant center in eastern Cyprus.[1] He also paid to send children for medical treatment in the United States.[1]
Paraskevaides received a number of awards and recognitions for his work in both business and philanthropy. He was inducted into the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.[1] He was also awarded the Saint Marcus Medal from the Vatican.[1]
[edit] Death
George Paraskevaides died at the London Clinic in London on December 5, 2007, at the age of 91.[1]
