Nikolas T. Kontgis' Obituary
Nikolas T. Kontgis, 77, passed away peacefully Sunday evening surrounded by his family. He had a tragic accident on June 18th, leaving him as a quadriplegic and made his decision to terminate
life support on June 23rd.
He was born to Calliope and Triantafelos Kontgis in Lamia, Greece on June 5, 1947. He grew up
in the small village of Lianocladi, Greece. He proudly served 2.5 years in the Greek Army, Special Forces, Navy parachute division. Nick was so proud of his service, and he was a man of
incredible strength, courage, determination and physical abilities. Throughout his life, Nick
would demonstrate heroic and exceptional feats of physical skills and abilities. Even at the age
of 75, Nick spontaneously grabbed onto a street lamp post to make a human flag by suspending
his body parallel to the ground supported only by the strength in his arms.
Nick met and married the love of his life, Susi Lehmer Kontgis. They only knew each other for
six months when they eloped on May 26, 1979. Nick and Susi celebrated 45 years together on
May 26, 2024, and they loved each other more on that day than when they said, “I do”.
Nick’s remarkable devotion to his family was evident as he and Susi raised their three children:
Nickolas, Christopher and Maria. Nick’s essence was his love for people, his family and his
friends. No matter what the needs were of a friend or loved one, Nick would drop everything to
show up for others. If you called, his response was always the same - “I’ll be there in 10
minutes.” He was our “go-to-guy” when you needed someone by your side. Nick’s loving, caring, compassionate side became more prominent with age and will always be remembered. Nick
continued to amaze and surprise his own family with his spirit, strength and determination right
up until his last day.
Nick is preceded in death by his mother, Calliope, father, Triantafelos, and his brother Christos.
He is survived by his spouse, Susi, sons Triantafelos (Paula), Nickolas, Christopher (Myrna), and his daughter, Maria (Tyson). His sister in Greece, Maria, and his adoring grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
We all love him so much and will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be
eternal.
What’s your fondest memory of Nikolas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Nikolas?
Share a story where Nikolas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Nikolas you’ll never forget.
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