He is pre-deceased in death by his previous wives, Rebecca Skipper, Josephine Douglas, Bernice Pierce and grandson, Damon Margaritis (Catherine & Nick Jr.), and brother, Paul Margaritis.
He is survived by his son, Nicholas John Margaritis Jr., daughter, Maria Elena Margaritis (Josephine); and stepdaughter, Stacey Borders (Rebecca). He is also survived by 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Nick was born on August 26, 1919 in San Antonio, TX to his father, John Paul Margaritis, and mother, Jennie (Xenothiki) Politis.
He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, TX in 1938. Nick served as an enlisted soldier and as an Army Officer. As an original draftee, he entered active duty in the U.S. Army January 13, 1941 where he completed his basic training and was later assigned to Airborne Jump School earning his jump wings. As enlisted, Nick achieved the rank of Sergeant and is an original member of the 1st Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry activated on May 1, 1942. He was later promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was fortunate to be selected to attend the Infantry Officers Candidate School (OCS), and upon completion of OCS he was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant (2LT). His assignments as an officer in the Air Courier Service had him traveling throughout the war zones in the Pacific Theater. Nick finished his tour of duty on March 18, 1946.
He earned his Bachelors from Loyola University and his law degree from George Washington Law School. Nick passed the Florida Bar Exam in 1954 where he began a brief stint in the insurance industry, shortly thereafter opening his own law office in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He continued to practice family and criminal law right up until his retirement, including an unsuccessful campaign run for Florida State Attorney in the 1960’s.
Nick was active in the local Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL where he and Josephine raised their son and daughter, Nick Jr. and Maria. They loved Greek culture, food and dance. Some of Nick’s hobbies and interests were deep-sea fishing, photography, travel, sight-seeing, and riding his Suzuki motorcycle.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Margaritis family.
