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Nikitas J. Karamitsos, 77, of Mishawaka, passed away Sunday, May 2, 2021 at the Center for Hospice.
One of nine children, Nikitas Karamitsos was born in Greece, in the small town of Servia (Kozani). He is the son of Aikaterī́nē (Boulgarides) and Ioannis Karamitsos born on August 30, 1943.
After serving two years in the army, he was introduced to Arety, by his best friend who happened to be marrying Arety’s older sister Julie. With a twinkle in his eye, he made a promise to her that they would be married a year later.
Seeking a little adventure, Nick traveled to the United States with his sister Angie when he was 24. True to his word, a year later he returned to Athens, Greece and married Arety Millas on May 5, 1968. Six months later, with one suitcase in each hand they journeyed to Chicago, Illinois to start a new life together. The couple was just shy of their 53rd wedding anniversary.
They had two sons. John (Georgia) (former daughter-in-law Renee) and Tony (Jennifer). His greatest joy was his four grandsons. John and former wife’s son Renee, Christos (12). Tony’s children are Nicholas (23), Alexander (19) and Christian (16). Also survived by his siblings, Antonis, Aglaia and Boula.
Preceded in death by his parents and siblings Nonda, Tony, Dino, Dina and Marista.
Nick did well with his painting business in Chicago, Pappa’s Decorating for many years. The couple later relocated to Indiana and owned two restaurants together. Nick’s Family Restaurant in New Carlisle, IN and White Dove in South Bend, IN. Nick was fondly referred to as “Cowboy” by friends and family. He loved to Greek dance, laugh and tells jokes. His family and friends meant everything to him, if you were a friend, you were family. He loved all things mechanical and tried to figure out how everything worked. He loved to work on cars and developed a passion for automobiles that was shared with his son Tony and Tony’s sons. Another passion of his was home projects. From tiling the Holy Dormition Chapel of Theotokos in New Carlisle to tiling the homes of friends and family. He never told anyone no.
Nick was loved and respected by all and will be missed. His family is comforted by knowing that he passed away on one of the most important days of Christianity, Greek Orthodox Easter.
Visitation will be from 4-7PM Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, Indiana, with a Trisagion service beginning at 6:00PM. Visitation will resume on Friday at the church beginning at 11:00AM. Funeral service will be at 12:00PM (Noon) at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 52455 North Ironwood Road, South Bend, Indiana 46635, with Fr. John Tsikalas officiating.
Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church.
Online condolences may be directed to the Karamitsos family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
May his memory be eternal and forever in our hearts.
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