Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 18, 2018

CHARLOTTE – Nick John Leventis Collias lived 81 years filled with laughs, friends, and family that peacefully ended on September 18, 2018. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Maria Lamprinakos Collias; sons, Dean Collias, and his wife Gina, and John Collias; three grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Celia, Sabrina, and Ethan Collias. He is also survived by his brother, George Collias, and his wife, Tula, Aunt Cora, many cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and “koumbari” — the extended families of his Godchildren, of his and his wife’s Godparents, of the Godparents of his children and grandchildren, and importantly to him, whether related somehow or not, his many beloved friends. 

Nick was born in St. Peter’s Hospital in downtown Charlotte, NC to his parents, John Nick Leventis and Antigone Ida Pappas Leventis. Nick’s father passed suddenly when Nick was a toddler, and he was subsequently reared by his mother and stepfather, Gus Theodore Collias, as well as by many loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and Godparents.

Nick attended Dilworth Elementary School, Alexander Graham Junior High School, and Myers Park High School. He was a proud member of the “Classic Class of 1955.” While at Myers Park, he enjoyed playing football and playing in the school band/orchestra with many of his lifelong friends. In the Myers Park band, Nick held the position of First Clarinetist at both the local and NC state levels. Nick was one of the founders of the Myers Park High School Foundation. The MPHS Foundation’s mission is: “To enhance the educational experience of every Myers Park Student by expanding opportunity, addressing unmet needs, and funding innovation.” Nick was proud that his granddaughters are also MPHS alumnae. Philanthropy was important to Nick, who also supported several charities for the physically challenged. As music was central to who Nick was, he was an avid supporter of the Charlotte Symphony and the Charlotte Opera, and he shared his lifetime passion for all types of music, particularly with his grandchildren and anyone else who would listen.

Nick graduated from the School of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and he loved being a Tarheel, where as an undergraduate, he was known for his wicked sense of humor. One of his more memorable practical jokes was shepherding a donkey up three flights of stairs one weekend with his fellow merry pranksters to surprise and shock other hall-mates. He had an early career as a pharmacist, which later progressed to the position of district manager with Eckerd Drug Company. Later, he decided to go into business for himself, and created the restaurant, Dikadee’s Front Porch on Independence Boulevard. He chose the name, Dikadee, a childhood nickname he called his brother George. Entrepreneurship and the hospitality business were Nick’s métier. He loved the team of colleagues he hired, as well as the many loyal customers, as they all became extended family. Nick was well known in the Charlotte metro area for his radio advertisements — joyfully and passionately describing his delicious dishes and desserts, and for warmly greeting each person who came to Dikadee’s. Nick was fortunate to later have a talented business partner, Mr. Pete Douglas, who was always like a brother to him. 

Nick never met a stranger. The minute he heard the words “Mr. Collias”, his immediate response was “Call me Nick.” He fixed his brilliant blue eyes on you and listened intently. The conversation usually ended with his hearty laugh and a big hug. Nick spent endless hours on his feet making friends out of strangers in the waiting line at Dikadee’s. A gratis flaming Saganaki cheese appetizer landed at the table of many patrons who left as close friends. 

Nick had an artistic eye and used that in constructing the family shopping center on East Boulevard. He also built an old-fashioned log cabin with the help of family and friends. Nick found joy in doing the hands-on work and the camaraderie that such long-lasting projects endeared with all. Nick’s attention to detail not only made him a successful restauranteur but was also expressed in the endless hours he spent with his sons building a fleet of high-quality model airplanes.

Nick grew up belonging to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church community. An active member, Nick was the youngest person, at the time, to be elected to the Holy Trinity’s Parish Council. He also enjoyed singing in the church choir, expressing his beautiful baritone voice, and working on the church’s various charity organizations. As the church community grew in Charlotte, Nick supported the development of St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church. He lauded his Greek heritage and was the first to give detailed instructions on where to find the best pastichio at the Greek Festival each year.

Nick and his family are very grateful for the many physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and caregivers who cared for him and his family. Nick desired that they be specifically mentioned here: Dr. Peter Copsis, Dr. Chuck Edwards, Dr. Stuart Garner, Dr. K.D. Weeks, Dr. Bernie Reen, Dr. Richard Jacoby, Dr. Costa Andreou, Dr. Dean Collias, Dr. Bo Mason, Dr. Dennis Kokenes, Dr. Paul Tsahakis, Dr. Scott Andrews, Dr. Sam Kleitches, Dr. Tom Kleitches, Dr. Jim Kendall, Dr. Lenny Fox, and his lifelong friend, Dr. Lambros Rigas; together with nurses and physical therapists: Lauren Smith, Jackie Spann, Kelly Floyd, LaKenya, Gena, Halina, Reba, Juanita, Daisy, Kay, Naomi, and the supportive Novant Hospice team.

Throughout his life, Nick enjoyed spending time with his family, pets, music, theatre, fishing, and playing a friendly game of poker with his lifelong buddies. While Nick enjoyed and provided first class dining experiences, his preferred evenings were at home with a dog on his lap, his couch occupied by a few close friends, a quality drink in his hand, and a Tarheel basketball game on the television. His expletives and cheers were equally enthusiastic.

An avid outdoorsman, Nick loved to go fishing with his friends Gus Nixon, Chris Economides, Father “C”, Ted Karagias, Johnny Woods, Sam Copsis, George Miller, Archie Tsangarides,  Frank Wilhelm, and Jack Poston.

Nick was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, nephew, Godchild, uncle, Godfather, and friend, with the ability to find humor, often irreverently, in any situation. His big smile, presence, laughs, and encouragement will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Nick was a caring, courageous, creative, generous, forgiving, and fun-loving person. His advice was to always help others and to leave the world a better place. He was an environmentalist with a great respect and love of nature.

Honorary Pallbearers are Joan Davis, Patricia Economides, Theophany G. Nixon, Gus and Theresa Psomadakis, Ted Kaperonis, Peter and Mary Collias, and Jim and Barbara Copsis, and the members of “The Myers Park Classic Class of 1955.”

Pallbearers are Ethan Collias, Tasos Douglas, Zac Zitsos, Chris Economides III, Charlie Emmanuel, Spero Nixon, Todd Fisher, and Luke Fisher.

All friends are invited to the visitation at 6:00 PM and the brief Trisagion Prayer Service at 7:00 PM Friday, September 21, 2018 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 600 East Blvd., in Charlotte, NC.  A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, September 22, 2018 at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church at 5108 Kuykendall Rd. in Charlotte, NC.  The funeral service will be followed by the traditional “Mercy Meal” in the Fellowship Hall.  

In lieu of flowers, Nick requested memorials be made to the Myers Park High School Foundation at www.mphsfoundation.org, Memory Center Charlotte at www.email@memorycentercharlotte.com, St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church (704) 708-4669, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral (704) 334-4771, Novant Hospice at www.NovantHealth.org/Hospice, and/or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.