Nickolas Tzavis

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Nickolas Tzavis at 91 years old when our Lord called him home on February 6, 2025. He was the devoted husband to Calliope (Kay) and father of their four children: Constantine (Rhodanthi) Tzavis, Stavros Tzavis, Katherine Rutherford and Despina Tzavis. Papou is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Nicholas and Constantine Tzavis; Anthony, Kristina and Brittany Rutherford; and Nicole and Cheyenne Tzavis. Nick was born in France in 1933 and raised in Athens, Greece alongside his siblings Chrisoula, Vaso and Stavros. At 20, he came to the US and settled in Mount Vernon, NY, where shortly after he met his wife Calliope in the Bronx. Nick became a seamster and restaurant owner, owning Red Eagle Diner in Spring Valley, later Nafsika Diner and finally Clarkstown Diner in Bardonia (now known as the New 304 Diner) setting the family's roots in Clarkstown since the late 1970s. In his later years, Nick picked up all different types of specialties including car mechanics and general contracting. His grandchildren remember papou as the hardworking "fix-it man", always looking for the next project to keep his hands and mind working and in the summer, jumping into the pool after his ritual of splashing water on himself and saying "opa". He's remembered as being always willing and eager to be there for his entire family when they needed a helping hand. On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the family will host a viewing from 10-11am, followed by the Funeral Service at 11am at Saints Constantine and Helen, 1 Marycrest Rd, West Nyack, NY. Nick will then be laid to rest at the Novo-Diveevo Russian Orthodox Convent at 100 Smith Rd, Nanuet, NY 10954. Flowers or donations may be sent to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church (https://www.saintsconstantineandhelenwestnyack.com/appeal-for-charitable-parish-support). May his memory be eternal. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Nickolas, please visit our Tree Store.