Nick Aristides Megalis

Nick Megalis, Age 83 (11/19/1939 - 12/15/2022) was a loving, generous, open-hearted Christian family man, who brought determination and a strong work ethic from his rural upbringing in Kleisura, Messinia, Greece to the US when he was 19. Nick was the oldest son, and his loving mother died at a very young age. At the age of 9, he stopped his education and took the lead to help his siblings and began to work to help support the family. His early lessons of hard work continued into a lifelong work ethic. Nick used his natural talents at engaging with and helping people to become a success in life. He strengthened his family, and started one of his own with his wife Eleanor in 1971. Nick launched a restaurant career in the Chicagoland area, starting with Parkview steak house in Humboldt Park with his father, and eventually the Parkwood Inn Tavern in Wood Dale, and later with his brothers-in-law, the Chateau Ritz Elegant Banquets in Niles. He was not a passive passenger through life. He lived every minute of his life. He loved America and yet always remembered the land of his birth. He loved the nearby town of Dorion, Greece, where his family moved after a devastating earthquake forced them from their ancestral village. After establishing himself in the US, he visited Dorion every year. This past summer, he made his last, precious visit to his old house there, with his wife, kids and grandkids. Nick was the life of the party. He loved bringing people together, and looked out for everyone. He would treat all people with genuine respect and dignity regardless of their social or economic status. He used his energy in the restaurant industry doing what he did best, engaging with others and showing his love through generosity and time spent together. He was absolutely devoted to his extended family, and was happiest when they all were together. He was very proud of his three children, Constantina, Aristides and Paul, and their accomplishments. He was happy and thankful to have had the opportunity to educate, and help them build their lives. He loved and was proud of his daughter-in-law Allison and son-in-law Nick who have the love for family and a strong work ethic he so greatly valued. He was overjoyed with his beloved grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. His family will honor his memory by striving to follow his example. Survivors include his wife of 51 years Eleanor (Postol). Devoted father of Constantina (Nick) Kass, Aristides, and Paul (Allison) Megalis. Cherished grandfather of Spiro and Niko Kass, Emilia, Nicolas and Alexander Megalis. Loving son of the late Aristides and Constantina (Tsiambouris) Megalis. Cherished son-in-law of Julia (the late Paul) Postol. Dear brother of Sandy (Tom) Gatsakos, Stella (late Nick) Theodos, Spyro (Helen) Megalis, Tina (George) Angelopoulou, George Megalis, the late Demetra (Angelo) Dikos and the late Chrisanthie (late John) Karakostas. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation Tuesday, December 20 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service, 11:30 a.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 893 Church Rd., Elmhurst, Illinois. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery in River Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Elmhurst, IL. Arrangements entrusted to Salerno's Rosedale Chapels, 630-889-1700 or www.salernofuneralhomes.com.