Nikolaos I Mavrakis

Nikolaos “Niko” (Nick) Mavrakis passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family, after a courageous battle with cancer. To the very end, Niko’s resilience and generosity of spirit were a source of strength for those who loved him. He leaves behind a legacy defined by love, faith, and the family traditions he so faithfully nurtured.

Niko was born the second of four sons on August 8,1953 in Athens, Greece to Ioannis (†) and Eleftheria Mavrakis. At the age of fourteen, he emigrated to The United States, hoping to fulfill dreams of opportunity, carrying with him the perseverance and determination that would shape his life, and the lives of so many others.

In 1975, Niko married the love of his life, Maro (nee Madias), with whom he shared nearly five decades of steadfast devotion; November 30 would have marked their 50th wedding anniversary. The gentle giant and the tiny dynamo were a magnetic pair, and everyone admired their relationship– they simply doted on one another. Together, they cherished their voltes—simple outings filled with conversation, laughter, and the shared joy of spending time together. Their life was centered around home and family; gatherings and summers in Greece, and especially in Crete, gave Niko and Maro memorable opportunities to bond with their greatest joy—their sons, Jon and Terry, and their grandchildren.

Niko traveled extensively throughout Greece and other parts of Europe, connecting with his heritage and culture, of which he was so proud. He was a devout Orthodox Christian and made eight trips to Agios Oros (Mount Athos), and also traveled to Constantinople; these pilgrimages nourished his spirit and strengthened his devotion. This deep faith was reflected in the way he lived his life: as a kind, non-judgmental, and extremely honest man, one who would extend a kindness and expect nothing in return.

In addition to his faith, Niko was renowned among family and friends for his culinary talents and generous hospitality. He and Maro were gracious hosts whose home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious food. Feeding friends and family fed Niko’s soul; he was most at home in the kitchen or on the grill, experimenting with new recipes he had created and sharing them with those he loved. He had the ability to make anyone feel at home, to feel welcome, and to feel loved.

A self-taught chef, Niko’s passion for food was inseparable from his passion for people, and this passion piloted Niko toward becoming an entrepreneur. Niko owned multiple restaurants in Cleveland and became one of the first movers in the downtown Cleveland jazz scene when he opened the Mardi Gras in the 1980s. Over the years, he became a beloved figure in Cleveland’s restaurant community.

In addition to his love of cooking, Niko was curious by nature and loved to learn about any subject, from architecture to politics, to current events, making him an adept conversationalist with a clever sense of humor. His talents even extended into the physical, as he could, and often would, build a deck, erect a fence, or construct an outdoor kitchen in days, almost effortlessly, and was delighted to do so. Niko’s life could be measured not just in the kitchen, but in the good deeds and acts of kindness that he offered.

Nothing, though, gave Niko more gratification than helping his family, who will feel the void that has been left in the wake of his passing. In addition to his loving wife, Maro, Niko leaves behind his two sons, Jon (Rebecca), and Terry (Niki), and four cherished grandchildren, Maria, Eleni, Niko, and Niko. He is also survived by his dear mother, Eleftheria, and his three beloved brothers, Mike, George (Panagiota), and Bill (Zoe), as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of invaluable friends.

Niko was a true Renaissance Man with a heart of gold. He will be missed beyond measure.

Funeral service 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Sts. Helen and Constantine Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3352 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Heights (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH) Interment St. Theodosius Cemetery, Brooklyn.

The family will receive friends TUESDAY 4-8 PM with 7 PM TRISAGION at the A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY RD., MIDDLEBURG HTS. (WEST OF I-71)