Nicholas A. Velezis obituary

#Middlebury #Obituary

Loving husband, father, brother and uncle

Mr. Nicholas A. Velezis, “the Chief,” 85, of Middlebury, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 28, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury surrounded by his loving family.  He was the loving husband of Efterpy (Zikos) Velezis.

Nicholas was born in Eptahori, Kastoria, Greece on December 28, 1936, son of the late Athanasios and Martha (Pistolas) Velezis.

He attended a private high school (Tsotili) in Greece and later came to the United States in 1951 with his whole family to meet his grandfather, George Pistolas and reunite with his loving grandmother, Theodora (Tziavas) Pistolas.

Continuing his education in Waterbury, Nicholas was the valedictorian at Kaynor Tech, and became a draftsman.  While in high school, Nicholas kept busy working various jobs, one being at Sena’s Bowling Alley. Once completing school, Nicholas worked for Seth Thomas, as well other various companies, and retired from Waterbury Companies as a mechanical designer.

Besides his beloved wife Efterpy of 59 years, Nicholas leaves behind to cherish his memory his two sons, Arthur N. Velezis and his wife Teri of Watertown and George N. Velezis of Middlebury; his three brothers, Col. James A. Velezis and his wife Ramona of Lorton, Virginia; George A. Velezis and his wife Helena of Watertown; and Paul Velezis and his wife Sonia of Waterbury; and his sister, Elpiniki “Nicki” Gagas of Waterbury.  He also leaves behind his father-in-law, George Zikos of Middlebury, a sister-in-law, Garifalia Rallis of Greece, brother-in-law Christos Zikos of California, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Nicholas was a dedicated member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.  He proudly helped work on the addition at the church and was dedicated to helping every year with their annual Greek Festival.  Nicholas was also a member of the Hellenic Society Paideia and helped with the construction of the Hellenic Center and Chapel at UConn Storrs, and as well as the Pan-Macedonian Association, Chapter Pindos, also serving as their scholarship chairman.

A traditional Greek Orthodox funeral service will be held Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 937 Chase Parkway in Waterbury.  Burial will follow at New Pine Grove Cemetery in Waterbury.  Calling hours will be held Wednesday, March 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial, the Albini Family Funeral Home, at 430 Chase Parkway in Waterbury with a Trisagion  service being held at 4:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Nicholas’ memory to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 937 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708

For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.