Deno J. Nicholas

Deno John Nicholas, age 86, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026. Deno was born in Wheeling, West Virginia to the late John K. and Evangelia (Alexiades) Nicholas on January 12, 1940.

Deno grew up in Warwood, West Virginia and moved to Cleveland when he was 15. He graduated from Lincoln West and spent a little time at Kent State and with the Army National Guard before entering the professional world. He progressed from being a draftsman at NASA - where he met his late wife of 61 years, Joyce, in 1963 - to a variety of sales roles in the manufacturing industry.

Eventually, he and Joyce founded the D.J. Nicholas Company, later to be known as Nicholas Press Sales. They managed that business for more than 30 years - Deno on the road with customers and Joyce home managing all of the details (and the boys!). Together they took great pride in being able to work together, take great care of their customers, all while working from home.

Deno was a faithful and active member of St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church in North Royalton, Ohio. Prior to that, he was a member of St. John the Divine in Wheeling, West Virginia and Annunciation in Cleveland. He loved singing in the choir throughout his life - at any church he attended - even if just visiting.

He was an avid golfer and softball player - enjoying both into his later years. He informally taught many to play golf over the years - focusing on enjoying the game and swinging hard! His times with and friends he made through Huff-n-Puffers softball brought much joy to his life.

Deno and Joyce were blessed with and raised three sons - John, Daniel and Jason - and were even more blessed with three wonderful daughters-in-law - Paige, Holly and Ashley. Left to cherish his memory are his and Joyce's children, John Nicholas (Paige) and Jason Nicholas (Ashley Batey); daughter-in-law Holly Nicholas; grandchildren Summer, Cole (Kaitlyn), Lacy and Zoe Nicholas, and great granddaughter Lydia Joyce Nicholas; and many other close family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Joyce (Peto) Nicholas, in 2025; his son Daniel; and his siblings Mary and Julie.

We are grateful for Kathy, Emily and the rest of the dedicated Kemper House Strongsville family, as well as Dr. Alex Nicolozakes and the caring team at Reserve Care / Hospice of the Western Reserve. Deno was well taken care of by these two wonderful teams.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, March 26 from 5:00pm-8:00pm with the Trisagion service at 7:00pm at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 4548 Wallings Road, North Royalton, OH 44133. Visitation will also be held on Friday, March 27 from 9:00am-10:00am followed by the funeral service at 10:00am. Interment will take place at the West Richfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deno's memory to St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church at the address above.

Online condolences and a place to share memories may be found at www.waitefuneralhome.com