Nicolas Papadimitriou Papas—age 62 of Clearwater left us unexpectedly on Monday July 4, 2022, while in Greece in the loving arms of his wife.
Born in the village of Orange, New South Wales, Australia on August 3, 1959, he immigrated to the United States in 1963, and was raised in Gary, Indiana. His family moved to Clearwater, Florida in 1974, joining Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church where he met, and later married, the love of his life, Maria. He graduated from Clearwater High School in 1977 and worked for many years running his businesses: The Monaco Motel, Young’s Pit Bar-B-Que, Hogfish Grill, and Rumba Island Bar & Grill.
Family was unquestionably the centerpiece of Nick’s life. And his greatest delight was when they were all together. Born to be a Papou, he lived for his grandchildren, his light—Nicolas and Maria—and he was eagerly anticipating the birth of his third grandchild in September. Though Nick’s love and pride for his wife and five children could never be sufficiently expressed in words, he would never pass on the opportunity to declare that he was the richest man in the world on account of his family, according to him ‘his greatest accomplishment.’
There was no place on earth that Nick wanted to be more than Greece. He ardently respected the history and culture of his fatherland and the Orthodox Christian faith that it guards. His house overlooking the Ionian was his self-described “happy place.” He devoted his time to producing olive oil and he looked forward to bringing the annual harvest to the press each November. When he was not caring for his family’s olive groves, he was sure to be found seated around a table, whether socializing in the platia (town square), dining with his loved ones, or in solitude—gazing into the sea in peaceful reflection. The summer season in Greece brought his favorite things— panigyria (festivals) and adventures with his children, especially his grandson, little Nic who would spend each summer with him there—and this summer was particularly special because he celebrated the wedding of his daughter, joined by friends and family in his favorite place.
Nick was enthusiastic about Greece and his Hellenic heritage, sharing it with everyone and ensuring that the traditions continued to be passed on to the next generations.
Nick is remembered for his humility, generosity, quick-witted humor, and above all, love of festivity. Upon learning of his passing, a local shopkeeper in Greece proclaimed, “the man was a celebration!” Indeed, Nick brought warmth and merriment wherever he want, spreading laughter and shining light. We are certain that he continues this in the midst of the unwaning light.
Nick is survived by his wife of 39 years, Maria, with whom he built his large family, with sons Aristomenis “Menios” and Peter (Allie), and daughters, Kallie Foutz (Joshua), Eleni Kaye (Mason), and Gabrielle; his two beautiful grandchildren, Nicolas and Maria; his parents, Aristomenis “Menios” and Kalliope “Popi” Papas; brothers Kleomenis (Cindy) and Spiros (Jennifer); Mother-in-law, Eleni Azzarella; and Sisters-in-Law, Tasia and Georgia Kossivas; and countless cousins, nieces and nephews, koumbaroi and godchildren—both in Greece and the United States—all whom he deeply loves.
Nick was predeceased by his fathers-in law, Peter Kossivas and James T. Azzarella.
Visitation will be Friday July 15, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Veterans Funeral Care located at 830 N Belcher Rd, Clearwater. The Trisagion Prayers will take place 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held 11:00 am Saturday July 16, 2022 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church with burial at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park.
A celebration of Nick’s life will be held at Rumba Island Bar & Grill immediately following the funeral.
For those unavailable to be present for the service, livestreaming will be available by visiting this link.
Condolences and your favorite memories of Nick may be shared with the family at www.veteransfuneralcare.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Judes.
Maria and family,
Words are hard to gather. I loved Nick and he loved my son. He was always so kind to my family.
We all will miss him deeply.
God speed my friend…
Heartfelt condolences to the entire Papas family. We’ve known the family since we all lived in IN. Such a sad loss and saddest part of life. Memory eternal and strength to the family. ✝️ 🙏
Words are so inadequate at this time. Nick was an amazing man. His children are a great example of his love, loyalty, humor, dedication to family, and sincerity. His precious wife, Maria, was the apple of his eye. I’m so sorry and heartbroken for all of you.
Live life well.
Stay strong.
Laugh much.
Know he is watching y’all.
Make him proud.
Bob and I love all of you and you are in our prayers.
Gods speed my old friend. It was my pleasure knowing you over the last 45 years. You left a beautiful family. We had some great times over the year and you will be missed more than you will ever know. We have lost a good man loving father and a great friend.
On Behalf of the Bochis family, we send our deepest sympathies to all of you. May his memory be eternal. Zoi se sas.
With deepest sympathy to the entire Papas Family Maria our deepest sympathy to the sons and daughter in law to the daughters and husbands and Gabriella and the grand children Nicolas and Maria to all relatives of the Papas family.
Another leaf has fallen,Another soul has gone . but still we have God’s promises in every Robin’s song. For He is in heaven, and though He takes away,He always leaves to Mortals, the bright sun’s kindly ray.
With deepest sympathy
Terry & Jerry Mayesky
So sorry for your loss.May God Bless you🙏🙏
Maria and family, we are deeply sorry for the loss of such a great man. My family send our condolences and prayers for the days following. Nick treated us like family from the moment we met and I can’t thank you enough for sharing Nick with us all. Nick was a legend and will never been forgotten.
Love,
The Cappiello family
Maria and family, I am truly sorry for the loss of Nick. He was a good friend, person fun to be around. May the God of peace hold you now in his precious arms giving you strength day by day and may we keep his memory eternal. With much love, ari
Nick left us way too soon! My first friend from Holy Trinity Church. Always full of life and I loved playing basketball with him,
Dean Anderson, Chris Tripoli’s, Lou Batista, Mike Baskavich, John Tsigaris, Nick Choconis and my cousin Bill Mentavlos.
Great family! Great memories! He will always be in my thoughts.
Dear Maria, Barba Menio, Thia Popi and to all the family, my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Nick will be missed by all of us in Arahamita.
May his soul rest in peace and may you all find strength.
Na ehete tin efhi tou
Katerina Kokkori
My old friend Nick, you left us way to early. Ill miss you more than you know. Your leaving behind Maria and a beautiful family. I will always cherish the memories growing up with you and the great times we had. Gods speed my old friend.
Peter you will always be a dear friend of mine Heart hurts sorry for your loss
City Of Clearwater solid waste
Papa’s Family, We are sorry for your loss, what a special man Nick was and will forever be with you, your Guardian Angel forever. Each of you must know how much he loved you, you were all his shining stars. Rest easy Nick we are all here for your Family.
We are heartbroken that we lost a dear friend and koumbaro. We were so happy to be with Niko and koumbara Maria all through the years from the beginning of our relationship as koumbaroi back in the 80’s. We started our families together and we were honored to have had both of you as our daughter Christina’s God parents. Moving forward, to the days of basketball, and tournaments at Holy Trinity Church, where koumbaro Niko, even instructed and inspired me, as a new player to the game, at the age of 34, to learn how to dribble and steal the ball from other opponents… I’ll never forget that I scored my first lay up in a basketball tournament from his graceful pass. He was a one of a kind, talented basketball player and athlete.. he did not exaggerate about his basketball capabilities Menios…@Being a friend and a koumbaro has definitely been an honor. We could say that We did miss out maybe in the years later, as are we were experiencing our kids and grandkids and we neglected to be even closer, but our love and respect always remained. We were blessed and honored to be able to attend the wedding of your daughter Eleni in Skiathos where Kosta, Andrea and I experienced your love of family and friends. We will always love and remember you as the kind hearted, generous, fun-loving, humorous and honorable man that you were and the incredible legacy you leave behind to follow your example. Αιωνία η μνήμη σου και Καλό Παραδισο!
George, Asimenia , Christina, Alex, Kosta and Andreas Lagos
I am sad for your loss. Nick was way young I enjoyed all the times we talked as neighbors. The Mackos love you all.
My uncle Nick was always the life and soul of any gathering he was madly in love with my aunt Maria and had a big beautiful family he loved and adored with passion and happiness. He would do anything for anyone who needed a chance he was a man of honor and stability. I looked up to him as one of my fathers best friends he was a person I not only loved but respected. I will forever miss you and love you uncle Nick rest in peace ♥️🙏and forever ♾ more.