Nicholas Kalantzakos

PORTSMOUTH - Nicholas Kalantzakos, 93, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024 at Mass General Wentworth Douglas Hospital. He was born on June 24, 1930 in Lowell, MA., the eldest son of the late Nikitas and Ourania (Mitsakos) Kalantzakos, and the beloved husband of the late Helen C. (Raikos) Kalantzakos. Nick was a brilliant light; the anchor that grounded 3 generations in faith, love, and family. He was a man of uncompromising integrity, a golfer and a runner who believed personal fitness was the key to a long and healthy life. Nick was quick with a joke and continuously reminded his children to “always do the right thing.” Nicholas served in the US Army and worked as an engineering assistant at the Ballistic Research Laboratories in Aberdeen, Maryland. He was educated in the Lowell school system and earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Lowell (Textile) University in 1952. That same year he began his career of 33 years at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a Design Project Engineer for Design, Testing, and troubleshooting of hydraulic systems and components. In 1954, he married Helen Raikos who would forever change his life with her passion and love. Together they raised a beautiful family. With a keen interest in finance, Nicholas pursued Business Management from 1974 to 1976 at New Hampshire College. He strived to be current in accounting practices and computers, both of which came in handy when managing his two Fantasy Football teams! Upon retiring from the Navy Yard, he began a new adventure helping his daughter Susan expand her real estate business as Finance Manager at Real Estate Results Inc.. He loved being in the game and celebrating every success his children and grandchildren were involved in. Nicholas was very proud of his Greek American heritage. He was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Portsmouth, NH where he served on the Parish Council as Treasurer for several years. He is survived by daughter Ruth Zogopoulos and her husband George, daughter Susan Mesiti, son Nicholas Kalantzakos Jr. and his wife Cindy, son John Kalantzakos and his wife Cheryl; seven grandchildren, Melissa Benson, Katie Fortier and her husband Matt, Nina Light and her husband Ken, Nicholas, Theo, Tommy, and Timmy Kalantzakos; four great grandchildren, Elise & Lydia Light and Casey & Lincoln Fortier; his sister Stella K. Hantzes, sisters-in-law Effie Kafasis and Paris Raikos; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Helen Kalantzakos, and daughter Dina, three sisters Sophie K. Antonakos, Martha K. Lawrence and Effie K. Routsis, and brother Michael Kalantzakos. KALANTZAKOS - Relatives and friends are invited to his calling hours on Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 62 Lewis St. in Lowell followed by his funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Westlawn Cemetery in Lowell. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, those wishing to make memorial contributions in his memory may be made to: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or to St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 40 Jarvis Dr. Portsmouth, NH 03801. Funeral arrangements under the direction of M.R. LAURIN FUNERAL HOME, directors, Louis M. Fazio III and Scott Laurin. www.laurinfuneralhome.com