WHITESTONE, NY – Nicolas Vachicouras, 85, passed away May 18, in his home in Whitestone. 

Nicolas, known as Niko or Nick, was born February 26, 1936, in Terpillos, Kilkis, Greece to Kyriakos and Malamo Vachicouras.  A talented, old world master woodworker, Vachicouras trained at the Efklidis Technical School, Department of Woodworking Engineering, graduating in 1953. He immigrated to the United States in 1955, where he met his wife, Stavroula (Voula) Youpis.

Niko and Stavroula were members of the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Choir in Astoria, Queens, and attended English-learning classes together at William Cullen Bryant High School. They were married July 12, 1959 and began their life together in Astoria, where he opened his custom-made cabinet work business, N. Vachicouras Woodworking Inc. Shortly after their marriage, Niko and Stavroula welcomed their three children, Gary (Kyriakos), Eleni, and Melanie. In 2007, he and Stavroula moved to Whitestone, Queens.

Niko will be most remembered for his passion for his Greek heritage, Greek-Orthodox faith, and love for his community. He served on the Parish Council for St. Demetrios Cathedral, Hellenic Orthodox Community of Astoria, for over 30 years. He was also a proud and active member of the Pan-Macedonian Studies Center and member of the Lion’s Club. He regularly contributed his time and work to his community and his woodwork can be found in Greek Orthodox churches throughout New York and elsewhere.

In addition to his woodworking, Niko enjoyed ballroom dancing with his wife, watching soccer, fishing with his family, as well as making and flying kites.

Niko was preceded in death by his parents Kyriakos and Malamo, sister Eleni Sotiriadou, brother Dimitrios (Takis) Vachicouras with his wife Despina, and brother-in-law, Stanley Georgiow. He is survived by his wife, Stavroula; sisters, Agape Georgiow and Sophia Rokakis with her husband Evangelos; and brother-in-law Ioannis Sotiriadou. Niko is also survived by his children, Gary Vachicouras, his wife Georgia and their children Nicolas and Katerina, Helen (Eleni) Vachicouras and her daughter OlgaNoel Zelatis, and Melanie Laris, her husband Steve, and their children Elias, Steve, and Nicholas. Niko’s family was truly his pride and joy.

The viewing takes place on Friday, May 21, 4-9 PM at Antonopoulos Funeral Home, 38-08 Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria, NY. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 22, 9:45 AM, at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 150-05 12th Avenue in Whitestone, with interment to follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Pan Macedonian Studies Center Inc.

149-14 14th Avenue

Whitestone, NY 11357

In Memory of Nicolas Vachicouras