Dr. Nicholas Spiro Sellas

Known for his intelligence, charm and wit, he was born on December 1, 1932, in Big Rapids, Michigan, Nick was the son of Spiro Sellas and Lambrine Malatou Sellas who immigrated to the United States from Greece. He and his brother Deno attended the local schools and at an early age worked alongside their parents at The Sellas Waffle Shop restaurant where they served the community and even made candy canes around the world at Christmas time.

It is difficult to describe the beautiful person Nick was. He led a beautiful life of kindness, cheer and love. He set the bar high as a role model husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was one of the most amazing and incredible gentlemen. His intelligence, balanced with a quick sense of humor and one liner wit, made those around him feel welcomed and appreciated.

Nick earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Ferris Institute (now Ferris State University) in 1955 before becoming a pharmacist and then enrolling at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing his first semester, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served from 1955 to 1957 in the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Upon returning to medical school, he humorously remarked that he "must be the only known medical student to be a freshman for three years." He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree in 1961 and completed a rotating internship at Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital in 1962.

Dr. Sellas went on to become board certified in Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine following his residency at Garden City Hospital. He devoted more than four decades to Garden City Osteopathic Hospital, serving as Chairman of Pathology and Director of Clinical Laboratories. Throughout his career, he was recognized as a respected physician, educator, and leader within the osteopathic medical profession. He served as Editor of the Laboratory Medicine section of The DO, was an Examiner in Pharmacology for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, Past President of the American Osteopathic College of Pathologists, and Team Leader for the CLIA-88 National Laboratory Inspectors. His dedication to advancing laboratory medicine and mentoring future physicians left a lasting impact on countless colleagues and students.

In 1963, Nick married the love of his life, Catherine Tsoucaris. Together they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Outside of medicine, Nick found great joy in reading, traveling the world, giving lectures and presentations on medicine, cultivating bonsai trees, and spending time with those he loved most. His Greek Orthodox faith was a guiding force throughout his life, and his wisdom, generosity, and gentle sense of humor touched everyone who knew him. He spent years teaching High School students in Sunday school.

Nick is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine Sellas; his daughter, Laraine Sellas Warner (Paul Warner); his son, Steven; daughter-in-law Kristen Whitney Sellas and his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Sellas (Jennifer), Christopher Sellas, David Sellas, Spencer Warner, and Sophia Warner. He was preceded in death by his parents Spiro and Lambrine Sellas, brother Konstantino (Deno) Sellas, son, Spencer Sellas and grandson Johnathan Paul Warner.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 409 S. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater, Florida, with a Trisagion prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

A second visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., also at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Interment will immediately follow with a graveside service from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, Florida.

Dr. Nicholas Sellas lived a life defined by service, scholarship, faith, and love. His remarkable legacy will continue through the family he cherished, the physicians he mentored, and the countless lives he touched throughout his distinguished career. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to:

• The Spencer Sellas Memorial Scholarship fund at Holy Trinity Church (address above)

• The National Marfan Association

In memory of Nicholas Sellas and Spencer Sellas

22 Manhasset Ave

Port Washington, NY 11050