Nickolas Theodos

Visitation Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Funeral Date: Tuesday, March 1st, 2022
Funeral Time: 11:00 am
Place of Funeral: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church-Elmhurst
Funeral Notes: Visitation Tuesday at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Elmhurst from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Interment: Arlington Cemetery

Nickolas Theodos, age 77, Born March 18, 1944 in Meligala, Messinias Greece, fell asleep in the Lord surrounded by his loving family on February 23, 2022 at his home. Beloved husband of Voula for 54 years; Devoted father of Vickie Theodos, Tina (Craig) Ross and Niki (Mike) Koukoutsakis; Loving son of the late John and Violetta (nee Georges) Theodos; Dear brother of Gus (late Mary Lou) Theodos, Patty (George) Toliopoulos and Bill (Christina) Theodos; Cherished grandfather of Niko, Aniela, Manoli and Stavro; Dear uncle of many nieces and nephews; Beloved friend to many.

At the age of 18 years old, Nick immigrated to the USA where he worked at Zenith, National Bakery, and Mary Ann Bakery all while attending school in the evenings. He met and fell in love with his wife Voula, and married in 1967. Earlier that same year, at the age of 22, he was drafted into the Army and joined the Vietnam War. Although only in the U.S. for a short time, Nick proudly served his new found country with honor and dignity.

Nick opened his first business, the Grand Restaurant, with his brother-in-law Tom Gatsakos in 1969. He went on to own several successful restaurants ultimately running the Chateau Ritz banquet hall until his last few months of life. Nick played full field soccer and bowled for over 40 years until his cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery. His Greek Orthodox faith was integral to him. Nick served as one of the founding members of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Elmhurst and continued to serve as a parish council member becoming well known for his homemade loukoumades at the summer parish festivals.

Nick’s biggest accomplishment was undoubtedly his family. His wife and three beautiful and loving daughters were his whole world, and his grandchildren his pride and joy. Despite working full time, Nick always made time for all four of his grandchildren, often attending their sporting events but mostly driving them around in his mini van to Target, Dunkin Donuts, Dave and Busters, taking them fishing, building forts and playing monsters. Papou showing up at his grandchildren’s homes on a school day before work to make his famous pancakes several times a week was commonplace. “Yes!”, was always Papou’s response to any of his grandchildren’s requests. As a husband, father, friend and grandfather, Nick was loving, kind, generous and selfless; always putting others before himself. As a hardworking businessman, he was straightforward and honest. Nick was truly loved and respected by all who knew him.

Defying the odds with an incomparable will to fight, Nick met each challenge and treatment along the cancer journey with dignity and fortitude. Nick’s early life began in service to his country and his soldier’s spirit remained as he lived in service to family, to others and to his church. Refusing to give up hope, he battled sarcoma tirelessly for over 8 long years, ultimately gaining his victory in Christ. He now has been called home to rest and to repose in the love of God. May his memory be eternal.

Visitation Tuesday, March 1 from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service, 11:00 a.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 893 Church Rd., Elmhurst, Illinois. Interment with military honors to follow at Arlington Cemetery in Elmhurst. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Arrangements entrusted to Salerno’s Rosedale Chapels, 630-889-1700 or www.salernofuneralhomes.com.