Nicholas Emmanuel Manousselis

With heartfelt sorrow we announce the passing of Nicholas (Nick) Emmanuel Manousselis of Park Ridge, Illinois, who left us at the age of 86 on December 18th, 2024. The son of the late Manolis and Aspasia Manousselis, Nick was born in Kallikratis, Sfakia on the island of Crete, in Greece. He is preceded in death by his cherished wife Betty "Vasiliki" (Nicholson) and eight siblings. One of ten children, Nick is survived by his beloved offspring, daughter Marianne (Sam Belias), his sons Michael and Christopher (Fran Loumbardias) and his precious grandchildren Clio (Dr. Solab Chitrakar), Demetrios, Victoria, Maria and Kayla. He is also survived by his brother John, sister-in-law Maria and his many nieces, nephews and cousins. Nick's life adventures started at the age of twelve when he left his mountain village in Crete for Athens to pursue secondary education studies under the guardianship of his dear brother Andreas. En route to meet Andreas on his very first voyage, Nick survived a shipwreck; as fate would have it, years later he became a top-tier marine engineer. From a young age Nick excelled in school at every level due to his keen intellect and deep desire to learn anything he could as thoroughly as possible. He eventually graduated top of his class from the Hellenic Academy for Naval Engineers in Aspropyrgos, Greece. He served his military duty with the Royal Hellenic Navy and professionally as a chief ship engineer in the Hellenic Merchant Marines. Nick traveled the globe extensively as a merchant marine for many years, but eventually decided to abandon this career for a new life in Chicago after falling in love with Betty, his future bride, life companion and best friend. Nick went on to become a valued employee at Zurich American Insurance Company where he excelled as a chief engineer safety inspector and eventually as a supervisory claims specialist, a role in which he utilised his engineering knowledge, boiler and machinery expertise and superior analytical skills. Nick was a most devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son, brother, cousin, Godfather and faithful friend. He loved unconditionally and generously. Family was the top priority for Nick, as he would say it is the only thing that truly matters in his life. A most warm-hearted host, there was always a shot or two of Cretan raki waiting for a guest, along with some Greek cheese and olives at the very least. His stellar character, born of uncompromising values, was a hallmark of his identity. Even when faced with health challenges that Nick endured along with Betty in their blessed life together, he always remained stoic and steadfast in his courageous approach to life. In true Cretan warrior spirit, Nick was a fierce fighter, up until the end. Dad and Pappou, we promise to honour your legacy. We pray that you rest peacefully in Heaven with our beloved Mom and Yiayia who you missed immensely. You are gone from this terrestrial plane but never from our hearts and minds. May your memory be eternal. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nick's name to St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Des Plaines, Illinois. Visitation, Saturday, December 21. 2024 from 11:30 a.m. until time of Funeral service 12:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church 2350 E. Dempster St. Des Plaines, IL. 60016; Interment will follow at Irving Park Cemetery.
Arrangements by NICHOLAS M. PISHOS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, LTD. (Hellenic Funeral Service); Info: 847-833-9522