Nicolas Anestis Mathioudakis

Nicolas “Niko” Anestis Mathioudakis passed away on August 28, 2021 at the age of 68 in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland after a valiant battle with lung cancer. Despite the pain, Niko emerged a hero and stayed strong until the end.

Born September 13, 1952 on the island of Chios, Greece, Niko was the oldest of four children of Kiriaki (née Simirioti) and Nestoras Mathioudakis. He was a cheerful child who loved singing, entertaining, and being around family and friends. As a teenager, he worked hard in the construction business and did all that he could to support his family. With his earnings, he purchased the finest and fastest red motorcycle (his “Floretta”) and he enjoyed the thrill of racing around the island with his friends. After completing two years of Greek military training, he worked as a merchant marine sailing the world and would later share intriguing stories with his children of all the exotic places he had seen.

In 1975, he came to the U.S. to baptize his niece, Catherina. His sister, Markella, and brother, Dimitrios, had already settled in the states. His youngest brother, Stamatis, joined them years later. Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, the four siblings have always remained close with an unbreakable bond.

While in the states, he met Despina, daughter of Michael and Ermioni Topaltzas, at an engagement party for his brother, Dimitrios. They married in 1977 and soon after had three sons, Nestoras (1979), Dimitrios (1981) and Yianni (1983). After working for a few years with his father in-law Michael Topaltzas at “Nick & Mike’s” carry-out in Lexington Market, he and Despina opened “Niko’s Pizza” in 1983, which remains a family business to this day. Although they parted ways later in life, Niko and Despina remained close friends, unified in their mission to secure the very best for their children.

Niko was a passionate musician. Despite lack of formal musical training, he taught himself to play the bouzouki (a Greek mandolin) by ear at the age of 30. Within a few years, he had mastered the instrument and was performing regularly in Greek bands at weddings, baptisms, Greek festivals, and family celebrations. He was a man who was full of life and laughter and his presence always made any event a party. Everyone who knew Niko will remember him and his bouzouki. It was the core of his soul and he played it until his very last days. His greatest joy was playing and creating music together with his sons, and he was proud that this love of music — his legacy — has been passed on to them and his grandchildren. In addition to music, Niko enjoyed watching Greek comedies, boxing, and playing cards. He was a prankster and loved telling funny stories to make everyone laugh.

At one of his bouzoukia nights in the early 1990s, Niko met Maria Passamichali, also from Baltimore. They shared a love for cooking, songwriting, and entertaining. She became a pivotal presence in the operations of Niko’s Pizza for over a decade. Together, they hosted Greek nights after hours at Niko’s Pizza on the weekends, where local musicians would come for the parea. Niko became a father figure to Maria’s three daughters, Cleopatra, Andreana, and Georgia, supporting and guiding them through their teenage years. He loved them unconditionally.

Like many Greek immigrants, Niko worked tirelessly in the restaurant business so that his children and stepchildren could have a greater opportunity in this country than he did. He modeled a strong work ethic for each of them.

In his later years, Niko met Katerina Nitsios of Silver Spring, Maryland, whom he described as his equal match and best friend. Together, they would sing and record original Greek songs, which he was so proud to share with others. During his illness, Katerina was his rock, accompanying him to countless doctors’ visits and treatments, helping to keep his spirits high. As a caregiver and partner, her devotion to him was unparalleled.

He is survived by his three sons: Nestoras and wife Stephanie, Dimitrios, Yianni and wife Kelly; five grandchildren: Nina, Niko, Daphne, Leo, and Lukas; sister, Markella Karousos and husband George; brother Dimitrios and wife Eva; brother Stamatis; partner, Katerina Nitsios; niece (goddaughter) Catherina Melissaratos and husband Demetrios; nephew Gerasimos Karousos; niece Kiriaki “Kitsa” Peterson and husband Tom; nephew Nestoras and wife Felicia; niece Dimitra “Mimi” Quigg and husband Donnie; nephew Christopher and wife Crystal; and nephew Elias. He was predeceased by his parents, Kiriaki and Nestoras Mathioudakis.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Nicolas Mathioudakis may be directed to support lung cancer research at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Click the link below:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/our_center/charitable_giving/in_lieu_of.html

A visitation for Nicolas will be held Wednesday, September 1, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Charles S. Zeiler & Son Inc., 6224 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224. Further visitation will occur Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 520 S. Ponca Street, Baltimore, MD 21224, with a funeral service to be held at 11:00 AM. Interment service to follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery, 7225 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD 21224.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.charlesszeiler.com for the Mathioudakis family.