Nikolaos Giannakakis, 76, of Granger, Indiana passed away unexpectedly, of natural causes, at his home on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
He was born on June 10, 1948 in Kokla Argos, Greece to the late Vasilios Giannakakis and Panagoula (Mavrogianis) Giannakakis.
Left to cherish the memory of Nikolaos is his loving wife of fifty-two years, Maria (Kaldis) Giannakakis; children, Peggy (Pete) Skotadis, Vasilios “Bill” (Chrisanthi) Giannakakis, Elaine (Sam) Samoilis, and Joanna (Nick) Limberopoulos; 12 grandchildren; Eleni, Yanni, Nick, Nicholas, Alex, Efiyenia, Michael, Panayoti, Nickolas, Maria, Anna, Damianos which he deeply adored and siblings, Fotini (Christos) Pavlis, Kostantinos (Vasiliki) Giannakakis, Chrisavge (Kostantinos) Frigelis, Manolis Giannakakis, and Fotoula Giannakakis.
Nick was preceded in passing by his parents, Vasilios and Panagoula, his brother, George, and his sister-in-law, Anastasia.
The eldest of six children, Nick moved to the United States in 1966, and began his career in the restaurant industry.
Nick was a loving and adoring husband, father, pappou, brother, uncle and friend who was so proud of his family. He always remarked that he was “The most blessed man in the world”. He made a lasting impression on all those he met, his charismatic smile added to his sharp dressing and business-like style.
A man of many passions, Nick cherished the moments spent with family, especially during the lively BBQs that were a testament to his love for bringing loved ones together through good food and warm conversation. His prowess in hospitality extended beyond the family realm into his professional life as a beloved restaurant owner, where his dedication to service and quality was evident in every dish served. Gratitude and love filled his heart, and he always made sure everyone was fed, from holiday dinner, family cookouts, or a random weeknight to have his kids come over for a visit and snack. He didn’t stop there, anyone coming in to the restaurant asking for a meal never went away hungry. Many will remember Nick from Prime Table, a business he ran alongside his wife Maria and their children, for over thirty years, impacting the community in so many different facets.
Faith and religion were always at the forefront of his devoted spiritual life. He was a dedicated member of St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in South Bend, attending daily services, serving on the parish council, SAREF, and chairing the local Greek Festival. His commitment to cultural heritage shone brightly as he was deeply involved with Greek festivals for more than a decade, contributing to the joy and celebration that brought people together. Nick touched countless lives through his leadership and compassion. He was the caretaker of The Holy Dormition Chapel in New Carlisle, Indiana, this was his personal spiritual mission and he devoted countless hours and his personal resources; overseeing the expansion, renovation and yearly community picnic. Nick’s role was not only organizational but also hands-on; he took great pride in being the meticulous groundskeeper and dedicated caregiver for the facility, ensuring it was a welcoming place for all.
Visitation for Nikolaos will be on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. Eastern Time at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church with Trisagion Prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Nick’s funeral service will take place at St. John Chrysostomos Greek Orthodox Monastery, 4600 93rd St, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 53158 on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 12:30 pm Central Time.
Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for Nick’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Nick have been asked to consider, St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, the SAREF Endowment Fund, 52455 N Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN 46635, or Holy Dormition Chapel, 32365 Chicago Trail, New Carlisle, IN 46552,
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.
Nick’s legacy of joy, community involvement, and wholehearted commitment to his work and family will resonate deeply within all who knew him. His generous spirit and infectious love for life will be profoundly missed yet celebrated through the memories he has left behind.
As Nick would say, “Makia, Bye”.
Services
Visitation
Friday, September 13, 2024 4:00PM – 7:00PM
St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 52455 Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635
Service
Friday, September 13, 2024 6:30PM – 7:00PM
St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 52455 Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635
Funeral
Saturday, September 14, 2024 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Saint John Chrysostomos Greek Orthodox Monastery, 4600 93rd Street, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158