Nikolaos Athanasiou, 97, our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully Monday, November 3rd with his family by his side. He will be welcomed by his wife of 66 years, Stamatia, who passed away in 2014.
He leaves four sons, Athanasios and his wife, Roula, Pavlos and his wife, Gilkeria, Petros and his wife, Ourania, Achilles and his wife, Elly all of Worcester; and his daughter, Lisa, and her husband, Vasilios Pashou of Shrewsbury.
He was born in Epirus, Greece, the son of Athanasios and Maria (Giaki) Athanasiou. As the oldest of six children, he became a patriarch at a young age after losing his father at age fifteen. At that young age he became the head of his family - whom he protected and for whom he provided through each members passing. He was predeceased by three sisters, and his brother and is survived by one brother, Evangelos of Worcester.
Nikolaos remained the patriarch of a big family and will always be adored by his fifteen grandchildren; Vageli who welcomes him with open arms, Niko, Christos, Maki, Niko, Stefanos, Niko, Maria, Stamatia, Billy, Dino, Lina, Katerina, Christina and Eleni; nineteen great-grandchildren and little angel Max.
Nikolaos was a hardworking and strong man - both mentally and physically. He was fearless in every sense and never complained - even through the end of his life.
Family was the center of our precious Papou’s life. He loved to travel to Greece with his wife and take care of his land. His happiest times were spent with his children and grandchildren - he found pleasure in the simplest things, such buying a candy bar for his grandchildren at their local corner store.
We remember our Papou as the essence of resilience and strength. His children and grandchildren will always hold the vision of him at the head of his table drinking his coffee with a komboloi (worry beads) in hand. We will forever miss our beloved Papou and our lives are blessed because of his sacrifices - he never put himself first.
His funeral will be held on Friday, November 7th at 11:00 a.m. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, followed by burial in Hope Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. in the Cathedral on Friday. The family request that flowers be omitted and memorial contributions be made to, St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family with arrangements.