Nick John Mamalakis

Nick John Mamalakis Nicholas John Mamalakis, born in Savannah, GA on November 27, 1913, died on June 15th at the age of 91. Mr. Mamalakis was the fourth child of eight children born to the late John E. Mamalakis and Demetra K. Mamalakis who immigrated to Savannah from Rodakino, Crete and Piraeus, Greece respectively. Mr. Mamalakis was a 1932 graduate of Savannah High School. With the eruption of World War II, Nick enlisted in the United States Navy where he served 'with distinction" in the Naval Intelligence Service for four and a quarter years. Upon his return to the United States, Nick resumed his career with Mercer General Insurance & Realty Company, which he later owned. During his 50 years in business he served on the boards of the Georgia Department of Industry Trade and Tourism, the World Congress Center, Savannah Economic Development Authority, Savannah Port Au thority Economic Development Committee, the Savannah Port Authority and as a Trustee of Armstrong Atlantic State University. He received the Edgar Dunlap Award, Outstanding Service to the Community beyond the scope of the profession by the GA State Insurance Agents Association. In 2000, he was inducted into the Savannah Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame. Mr. Mamalakis was a member of St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church and has held laity positions both locally and with the National Church. He is the first American born member of St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church Parish to be elected to the Parish Council. He served on the Planning Committee, which led to the acquisition of the historic Lawton Memorial building for its Sanctuary and also the building of the Hellenic Center complex. Mr. Mamalakis served for 30 years on the Archdiocesan Council under both Archbishops Michael and Iakovos. On the Council, he worked tirelessly for the establishment of the Pension and Insurance programs f or the priests and staffs of the Archdiocese. In 2004, the Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for Originating the Archdiocesan Pension and Health Plans honored him. Mr. Mamalakis was active in many civic organizations including the Johnny Mercer Foundation, Lions Club of Savannah, Rotary Club, Victor B. Jenkins Memorial Boy's Club and was a founding trustee of the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame among many others. Mr. Mamalakis is a recipient of the General James Oglethorpe Award presented by the Chamber of Commerce to an individual for outstanding community service. In 1999, Mr. Mamalakis was the first recipient from the south awarded Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which is given for outstanding service to the Unites States of America. Mr. Mamalakis is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Creticos Mamalakis, two sisters: Tassie M. Kontos of Waycross, GA and Alice M. Psillos of Darlington, SC; one daughter, two sons and their spouses: Elaine M. and D eno Caloudas of Hilton Head, SC, John and Debbie Mamalakis of Savannah, GA, and Dean and Louise Mamalakis of Chicago, IL; four grandchildren and their spouses: Christie C. and George Vlahakos of Houston, TX; Greg Caloudas of Charleston, SC; Andrea M. and Kelly Epting and Nicholas J. Mamalakis II of Savannah, GA; two great grandchildren: Ellie Catherine Vlahakos of Houston, TX and Greyson Mathew Epting of Savannah, GA, along with many nieces, nephews and countless wonderful friends. Visitation will be Friday, June 17, 2005 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church. Trisagion Service will be at 7:00 p.m. at the Church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 18, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Burial will be in Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, 1401 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401 or to the Nick Mamalakis Emerging Leaders Scholarship Fund at Armstrong Atlantic State University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419. Savannah Morning News, June 17, 2005 Please sign our Obituary Guestbook at www.savannahnow.com