Nicholas Tseperis

TSEPERIS
Nicholas "Nicos," the renown Greek singer, guitarist, composer, orchestra leader and comedian passed away on October 31, 2010 at the age of 87 surrounded by the comfort of his family. He now joins his loving wife, Nike Ordolis Tseperis who passed away in 2007. The "Man with the Golden Voice" enjoyed a lustrous career spanning four decades. His popularity stretched from his homeland of Greece, across Europe and America. Nicos Tseperis was born September 7, 1923 in Athens, Greece to Daniel and Virginia Tseperis. His father earned his fortune as an importer/exporter of spices, a true "rags-to-riches" story. He grew up in a loving family with his three siblings, Ermolalos, Maria, and Dimitrios. He is survived by four daughters: two from his first marriage, Ioanna and Eleni plus their children, along with two daughters from his marriage to his wife, Nike of over fifty years, Virginia and Danielle. Danielle and her husband Steve also have a son, John Kalas, a delight to his grandfather. His family carries his memory and legacy to the future generations. He enjoyed a fair amount of celebrity status in his life, but was philosophical about it. This was illustrated in his love of chess. He appreciated the strategy it required and admired the artistry of the pieces. But he would reflect at the end of the day how the King and the Pawn go into the same box. During his life, Tseperis spent time in many cities, including Paris, Cannes, Athens, and Istanbul. But America was his favored home, especially New York City. He came there after a successful start to his career in France playing clubs and nightspots and eventually hired to entertain aboard the yacht of a wealthy Greek shipping magnate, Pantelis Pantelakis. The two became good friends. Pantelakis wanted him to continue on, but Tseperis was hearing the siren call of the United States so with reluctance he was granted cross-Atlantic passage aboard one of his ships. He quickly found favor as an entertainer after an impromptu performance at the Greek Nightclub, the Athenian Corner, where he sang a potpourri of songs in different languages and even engaged the crowd of 200 to sing along with him in Greek. He built up a regular following at Catskill Mountain resorts and entertained many celebrities, among them Van Johnson, Anthony Quinn, Harry Belafonte, Fred Gwynne and Melina Mercouri. Tseperis recorded six albums, performed for Aristotle Onassis and Queen Frederika of Greece, and appeared in a Greek film as well as guest spots on Dick Cavett and Mike Douglas Shows. He was also a successful music producer and record company owner (Nina Records in New York City) and was greatly influential in the Greek and International music scene. A consummate professional, hard working and a lover of entertainment, music, family and friends - these are the qualities that characterized Nicos Tseperis life. "I have always followed the flow in my life and gone with what is before me. I have looked for and listened for the opportunities in my life" stated Nicos. "I do not go against what is natural." Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, November 4, 2010 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd., Wayne. Funeral services will be held 10 AM from the funeral home then to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 467 Grandview Ave., Wyckoff where an 11 AM Funeral Service will be held. Interment will be in the First Reformed Church Cemetery, Pompton Plains. For a photo and more information visit www.vandermay.com.