Nick P. Sefakis, 87, born June 2, 1934, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Pete and Angeline Sefakis, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2021, of natural causes. He was beloved by his family and friends, and a respected member of his community, admired by all for his zeal for life and love of jazz music and cars. Nick is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Kelly (Patsuris) Sefakis, his daughters, Audrey Makris, Stacey Paras, Patty Pecora (Peter), and his son, Pete Sefakis (Jennifer). “Papou Nick” adored his surviving eleven grandchildren, George (Rebecca), Nicole (Rachel), and Michael (Virginia) Makris, Andrea Paras Baratta (James), Matthew Paras, Dana and Patrick Pecora, Nicholas and Luke Sefakis, Sydney and Taylor Hurst, and his three great grandchildren, Charlotte, Sawyer, and Morgan Makris. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Jean Patsuris, and many adored nieces and nephews. Nick was godfather to Georgene Colovos and Jason Mudrock. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Sefakis, his sister, Katherine Harkis, and his two sons-in-law, Mike Makris and Michael Paras.
Nick is fondly remembered for his devoted service to the Greek Orthodox Church of Salt Lake City, as President of the Parish Council that was instrumental in building a second church, Prophet Elias, and for his work with the youth basketball program, mentoring young men not only in sport, but in character. Many of his former players respectfully referred to him as “Coach” well beyond their years of playing, a testament to his influence on their lives. Nick was a stellar basketball player and student in his own right at West High School in Salt Lake City and was inducted into the school’s sports hall of fame. He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in political science and remained a loyal Utah fan. Nick also loved jazz music and was a talented musician and vocalist, something several of his family members have fortunately inherited. He sang in a dance band in college, and with the Greek Orthodox Church choir for many years. Nick was also a member of the Lions Club in Magna, Utah, his hometown for many years, before moving to Salt Lake City.
Nick served as General Manager at the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake City, Utah, when the signature accomplishment was the completion of the Little Dell Reservoir in Parley’s Canyon, a collaboration between the water district and the Army Corp of Engineers. He also served on the board of the Provo River Water Users Association. Nick worked for Kennecott Copper Corporation in his earlier years, where he climbed the ranks from an office clerk to a supervisor.
Our dad will be remembered for the fun times he spent with us, playing baseball or basketball in the yard, or letting us stand on his feet as he danced us around singing “Upon the seat (which he changed to ‘feet’), of a bicycle built for two,” never off key--he had a great voice. Dad took great pride in his fruit orchard, and he’d let us sit in a tree or two as he picked fresh fruit to share. He had a funny habit of picking unripened green apricots, washing them, salting them, and eating them like that! Dad loved his green olives, too, and he carefully cured them to perfection every year, making sure he had enough to eat at every meal, even breakfast! He loved taking us for rides to get ice cream or on a road trip in his most treasured vehicle of the moment. Dad’s love of cars is legendary. He took great pride in keeping his vehicles in pristine condition, and he expected no less from his family members, so we all remembered to thoroughly clean our cars before each of his visits, a sign of respect for his passion. As busy as Dad was with his work, he always made time for his family, first and foremost. He attended almost every event for us and was very proud of our accomplishments. He taught us the very valuable lesson of separating work and family life, and for that we will always be grateful. Dad was devoted to his grandchildren as well, traveling with Mom to many sports games, performances, and graduations, always supportive. His great-grandchildren also gave him great joy, as evidenced by the glow on his face whenever they visited. The common thread that family members share is how our dad made things fun, something we will all cherish. We will miss you, Dad, but we’ll be sure to continue the family reunions you treasured and keep the fun going. We love you very much.
The family would like to acknowledge the support of the staff at The Ridge at Cottonwood senior living center, especially Michael Olsen, Nick’s personal caretaker, and Fernanda Naranjo. Thank you for your care and devotion to all of us.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 20, 2021, at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah at 10 a.m., with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m. The family kindly requests that guests follow all Covid 19 protocols. Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
