Nicholas George Hartofelis

Nicholas "Nick" Hartofelis, 69, of Apex, NC breathed his last breath on Friday, December 3, 2021 and peacefully ended his battle with FTD (Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia) with his faithful wife and caregiver of 43 years, Evelyn "Adele" Jones Hartofelis, by his side.

The handsome, daredevil, oldest son of a Greek immigrant family and Wake County native has his mother to thank for setting him up with her co-worker turned daughter-in-law. He prided himself on his self-taught automotive and computer repair skills. "Nicky" never wasted an opportunity to help others. He donated blood every chance he could and was always willing to lend a hand or a chainsaw to a friend, neighbor, or son-in-law. Nick was a creature of habit and continued his best to do for others even as his health declined. His disability made it hard to be the ideal husband, father, or "Papou" but, he was always eager to toss a ball, mow the lawn, pick up sticks, hold the door, or sit and watch a silly show and belly laugh. He loved his family dearly and cherished gatherings together where he could reminisce about the good old days and play, chase, or tickle whatever kids were around. Nick loved the Lord and read his Bible cover to cover numerous times. He sang loudly in church and didn't care who heard him!

Summarizing his journey is seemly impossible, as the good Lord took him on a very winding path. The final years of his life were tough, physically for him, and emotionally for everyone else. Losing his ability to work, drive, walk, talk, feed, or clothe himself presented many opportunities for resentment and anger; it also created a beautiful trust and reliance on God to provide for him and his family. Medical care, caregiving support, and adult day care were provided by PACE - Senior CommUnity Care of Durham. Their services filled in many gaps and helped Nick transition through his stages of demise. His wife, Adele, was his saving grace and literal life support. She fought valiantly, overcame countless obstacles, and humbly served him in a way that honored the Lord and her commitment to their marriage.

Nick is survived by his wife, Adele; daughter, Stephanie Chorman of Fuquay Varina (husband, Justin Chorman and daughter, Tinsley Osborne); daughter, Kim Barrett of New Bern (husband, Charles Barrett, and children Brooke, Taylor, Charlotte, and Drew Barrett); brother, Harry Hartofelis of Surf City (wife, Cathy Hartofelis, daughters Cameron and Rachael Hartofelis); sister, Elaine Buckey of The Villages, FL (husband, Don Buckey); and brother, John Hartofelis of Raleigh (wife, Terri Hartofelis, and daughters Carson Hartofelis-Jones, and Natalie Hartofelis). He was preceded in death by his father, George Hartofelis, and mother, Pauline Hartofelis.

Though we are sincerely sorrowful that he will no longer be present here on earth, we rejoice knowing that he is well. If there is anything that can be gleaned from his life, it is this, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your path." Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us of God's providence through his battle and for that, we are grateful.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his long-term babysitter and digital companion, PBS Kids (Public Broadcasting Services) or PACE Senior CommUnity Care of Durham. A memorial service will be held on February 26, 2022 at 1:00pm at The Shepherd's Church in Cary, NC.