Nick Frank Demeris

Nick Frank Demeris left our side, but not our hearts, on Sunday, February 18, 2018, at the age of 84. He was surrounded by his family and welcomed by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No doubt there was a huge reunion with his siblings, parents, and friends from days gone by. Born in November of 1933 in the village of Falanthi, Greece, Nick came to America in 1947 to follow his father, brother, and sister who had previously immigrated the year before. He began washing dishes in a restaurant prior to his mother and remaining brother arriving a year later. After serving in the U.S. Army, he returned to Greece to find a wife. Eleni Markopoulos and Nick Demeris were married on July 19, 1959, and so began their story in Houston.

Nick found fame in the restaurant business with his siblings and father. They owned G and N Cafe, Carol’s Kitchen, Shipley’s Grill, and Demeris Barbecue. They also owned and operated Demeris Vendors. When not working, Nick could often be found playing cards at Braeburn Country Club. As a couple, Nick and Eleni spent more than 40 years in a cherished dinner group. He was an active member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral and spent countless hours volunteering at the Original Greek Festival and socializing with his friends in AHEPA. Some of his favorite memories were spent in Pirates Beach, with his family surrounding him, as well as summer trips to Greece. He was a permanent fixture at Demeris Barbecue and Charlie’s BBQ.

Leaving behind to tell his many stories are his wife of 58 years, Eleni, and their four sons and wives; Fote and Cindy, Stathy and Chrissy, Yanni and Brandy, and George and Joannie. “Papouli’s” grandchildren, his greatest joy and pleasure, include Nickolas and wife Eleni, Yanni, Eleni, Caroline, Frankie, Niko, Emmy, Andrew, Fote, Alexander, and Stefano. He is also survived by his brother Jimmy and wife Lynn, his sister-in-laws Maria Demeris, Pipitsa Stamos, and Thalia and John Leonard, and mother-in-law, Georgia Markopoulos. He is also survived by over a dozen nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Angeliki and Frank Anastasios Demeris, brother Gus, sister Georgia Demeris Vlahakos, his father-in-law Efstathios Markopoulos, and his grandson John Nick Demeris, Jr. Serving as pallbearers are grandsons Nickolas Demeris, Yanni Demeris, Niko Demeris, Andrew Demeris, Fote G. Demeris, Alexander Demeris, and Stefano Demeris, along with his Godsons Jack Molho, Michael Voinis, and Dimitri Payavla. Honorary pallbearers are Jamie G. Demeris, Frank G. Vlahakos, George B. Vlahakos, Nick Leonard, and Yannis Gianaris. The family would like to thank Father Dimitri Tagaropulos for all of the time and attention he has shown our family.

Nick enjoyed life to the fullest, and we will celebrate him at a visitation on Friday, February 23, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church, 1100 Eldridge Parkway, with Trisagion prayers. The funeral service will follow immediately at 10:30 a.m. with Father Michael J. Lambakis from The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer. All are invited to join the family for a Makaria Luncheon at St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Benevolent Fund.