Nicholas "Nick" Mantis

Nicholas "Nick" Mantis SCHERERVILLE, IN - Nicholas "Nick" Mantis, age 81 of Schererville passed away Sunday, August 13, 2017. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Helen, son Angelo (Kristina), sister Christine Zombolas, grandchildren: Nicholas, Christopher, Milan, Mia, and Godson Tony Zombolas. Many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Eugenia (Virginia) Klimentiotis. Two brothers; Sam and Gus Mantis, his three sisters; Pauline Wittig, Bessie Kovera, and Diane Parkinson. Nick was a graduate of EC Washington and captained the Senators basketball team for three years. He was an Indiana 1st Team All-State basketball selection in 1955 and was selected on Parade Magazine's High School All-American 1st Team, joining Wilt Chamberlain as one of the top high school basketball players in the country. He chose Northwestern University over 150 college scholarships offers. There he had an outstanding college career. At Northwestern, he was a 3-year starter, twice captained, and All-Big Ten twice. After college, Nick served his country with great honor as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He attended recruit training aboard Parris Island, South Carolina graduating from Hotel Company Platoon 257 and remained in active duty for the US Marine Corps Reserves. In 1959, Nick was the NBA's 37th overall pick by the St. Louis (Atlanta) Hawks, and went on to play for the Minneapolis (LA Lakers) Lakers, and Chicago Zephyrs (Washington Wizards). He also played in the American Basketball League (ABL) for the Kansas City Steers, winning the ABL Title during the 1962 season. Nick was inducted into the Indiana Hall of Fame for the 25-year Silver Anniversary Team in 1980 and inducted in 1996 as an individual. During his 8-year professional career, he played with the great Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor. After his professional basketball career, Nick worked for Hunter Corporation (East Chicago, IN and Carlsbad, CA) and retired after 35 years of service and as one of the owners of Hunter Corporation. Mr. Mantis was a lifelong member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Schererville, IN. He loved his family deeply and loved being with his grandchildren whenever he could. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at LINCOLN RIDGE FUNERAL HOME, 7607 W. Lincoln Hwy, Schererville, IN from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Trisagion prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 18, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Schererville with Father Constatine Aliferakis officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church or Hospice of Calumet in his memory.