Nick J. Nopulos

Nick J. Nopulos was born in Wolburn, Massachusetts on April 2, 1921 to James and Aphrodite Karayinopulos. He was the fourth of ten children. He grew up in Weirton, WV where he was an outstanding football player for Weir High. His friends nicknamed him "chock" because he drank so much chocolate milk.

In the mid 1930's, Nick moved to Baltimore where he worked for the B&O Railroad. He enlisted in the Army in 1942, trained at Camp Devon in Massachusetts, and was honorably discharged in 1945. As a World War II veteran from September 2, 1943 to May 24, 1944, Nick drove for the Red Ball Express in the 3608th Quartermaster Truck Company while serving in the U.S. Army in North Africa and Italy. Upon returning from the war, Nick with his sister, Mary Peters and brother, Angelo Nopulos operated the Alpha Lunch restaurant in Catonsville.

In September of 1959, he opened with his brother Angelo, the Double T Diner in Catonsville which they owned and operated for 28 years. Nick, a gregarious man, loved meeting and talking with the patrons. There were many customers who ate there frequently, often ordering their favorite dishes like stuffed flounder and crab cakes. Over the years, he met many notables: Tex Ritter, The Who, Mayor Donald Schaffer, Governor Mandel and Robert Kennedy. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Nick and Angelo never used the keys to lock the doors, so when they decided to close for Christmas Day they were unable to locate the keys.

Nick was also the co-owner of Kosten's Bar in West Baltimore and the Black Lantern in Westminster. Upon retiring in 1988, he enjoyed vacationing with his family and friends at his home in Ocean City, MD.

He was a member of The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation and The Lord Baltimore Chapter of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.

In his youth, Nick enjoyed playing sports - football and basketball. As an avid golfer, he was a member of the Rolling Road Golf and Country Club and other golf clubs. An enthusuastic sport's fan, Nick was a longtime season ticket holder for the Colts; a proud owner of a baseball autographed by Ted Williams; and also attended the Indianapolis 500, and numerous World Series games.

Nick met his wife Dessie when she was 14 and he was 18 years old where she was passing out favors at her sisters' wedding. He proclaimed "Take good care of yourself, I'm going to come back and marry you." Nick kept his word and married Dessie (Despina) Klavas of Astoria, NY in June of 1946. They had four children who assisted in the operation of the Double T Diner.

Nick was a very generous, modest, compassionate man, who often fed many homeless people and donated food to his church. He had an intense love for all (immediate and extended) family, and grieved deeply but silently for those members who passed away. Nick thought the solution was that we should all come into the world together and leave or pass on together. Although he seldom outwardly showed emotion, family and friends knew and felt that they were well loved and could turn to him for assitance if they ever needed.

Nick enjoyed having friends from all walks of life. He taught his children to accept, appreciate and love people for whom and what they were; not judge others. As stated by his niece Coni, if in life you could choose one good friend and you chose Nick, you had the best - a most loyal, devoted, giving friend. Friends have often remarked that Nick was kind, generous, and "would give you the shirt off his back."

Nick truly lived his life the way he wanted and did things his way with love, respect, kindness and honor for all people. He exhibited faith in God and always believed that everything would be fine.

Nick died at the age of 91 on April 28, 2012. he is survived by his children, Claudia McBrien, Deanne van Velsen and Paul Nopulos, and four grandchildren; his wife, Dessie and son, James Nopulos predeceased him.