Nicholas J. Tavoularis

Nicholas J. Tavoularis
former co-manager of
Laconia Restaurant and Bar

LOWELL -- Nicholas J. Tavoularis, 87, a lifelong resident of Lowell, died Thursday, May 19th, at his home in Kittery, Maine, following a brief illness, with his loving family by his side.

The beloved husband of Anna (Bavelas) Tavoularis, who survives him, the couple celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary last September.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, March 7, 1924, the son of the late John Tavoularis and Katherine (Shilakos) Tavoularis, he was a graduate of Lowell High School and was recognized as an outstanding high school athlete. He was a star football player, listed as one of Lowell High's greatest sports legends of all times.

Mr. Tavoularis proudly served his country in the Army during World War II in the European and South Pacific campaigns, achieving the rank of Mess Sergeant.

From 1946, he co-managed the family restaurant and bar, The Laconia, in downtown Lowell until his retirement.

He was a lifelong member of the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church of Lowell, The Elks Club and the Lowell Family YMCA.

In 2004, Mr. Tavoularis was recognized by the Lowell Hellenic Institute for his outstanding sportsmanship and named into the ranks of the Hellenic All Century Team.

A devoted husband who loved his family and friends, his church, and the Red Sox, he will be missed by all who knew him.

Besides his wife, he is survived by one son, John Tavoularis and his wife, Ann D. of Westford, MA; two daughters, Katherine Lalos and her husband, James of Portsmouth, NH, and Aphrodite Zezas and her husband, Spero of Buffalo, WY; his five grandchildren, Nicholas and Christina Tavoularis, Christopher Lalos, Katetin and Victor Zezas; three sisters, Elizabeth Tavoularis of Chelmsford, MA, Pat Archambault of Newburyport, MA, and Georgia Moser of Rabat, Morocco; a sister-in-law, Caliope Bavelas of Royersford, PA; and many nieces and nephews.

TAVOULARIS -- In Kittery, Maine, May 19, 2011, Nicholas J. Tavoularis, 87 of Lowell, and Kittery, ME, beloved husband of Anna (Bavelas) Tavoularis. Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 276 Pawtucket St. at Fletcher from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service Monday morning at the TRANSFIGURATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH at 11 o'clock. Burial in Westlawn II Cemetery. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church Mortgage Elimination Fund, Fr. John Sarantos Way, Lowell, MA 01854. E-condolences/directions at odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O'Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.