Nickolaos Stames

1958 - 2025

Nickolaos “Nick” Stames (Stamatelopoulos) age 66, fell asleep in the Lord on February 14, 2025. Beloved husband of Cherie Kerzee-Stames for 39 years. Loving father of Aleksander (Kelly) Stamatelopoulos and Demetria Stamatelopoulos. Devoted son of the late Aristidis and the late Dimitra Stamatelopoulos. Cherished son-in-law of Lorraine McNeeley and the late Wilmer Kerzee. Proud pappou of Emily Grace and Lewis Nickolas Stamatelopoulos. Dear brother of Kula (Anthony) Geib, the late Theodosia Stamatelopoulos, Lea Stames and Ted Stames. Fond brother-in-law of Ruth (Paul Snagel) Kerzee, Jeanne (David) DeBarr, Christy Origer and Robert (Sherry) Kerzee. Uncle of many.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Nick Stames, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach and intellectual, who passed away peacefully. Born on the beautiful island of Rhodes, Greece, Nick was a free spirit whose curiosity and passion for life inspired all who knew him. An immigrant to Chicago at the age of eight, he credited his ability to assimilate into American life to his athletic abilities on the playground at McPherson Park on the north side. He loved to tell stories of growing up in the Greek-American community around Lawrence and Western. He graduated from Lane Tech and later from Northeastern Illinois University. As a young man, he excelled at playing basketball and then coaching at St. Demetrios Church. Later, he coached all levels from kids to college men. As the son of hard-working immigrants, he too worked hard and started a family. Cherie and Nick met in 1980 and were married for almost 40 years. A devoted father to Aleks and Tria, and a proud pappou to his cherished grandchildren, Emily and Lewis, Nick's family was the center of his world. His love for them knew no bounds, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Nick was a true intellectual, always seeking knowledge and sharing it generously with others. As a teacher and coach, he shaped the lives of countless students and athletes, instilling in them not only academic and athletic skills, but a sense of discipline, curiosity and respect for others. He loved telling the stories of regular people in his classes and beyond.

A twenty-year survivor of cancer, Nick continued to influence people as he connected to the AA community, where he developed a new spiritual understanding. His impact on the community will be missed. Nick leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, kindness and love. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of crossing his path.

Visitation Thursday, February 20 from 10:00AM to 1:00PM at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 W. Talcott Road, Park Ridge. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie. Memorial donations to the National Kidney Foundation would be appreciated. https://www.kidney.org/

For info call 847-375-0095