Nicholas Semerzakis

Nicholas Semerzakis, of Ashford, age 87, passed away peacefully at home Thursday morning surrounded by his beloved family and friends. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Nicholas spent most of his childhood in Rhodes, Greece, returning to the United States after World War II. He returned to Rhodes to marry his childhood sweetheart, Stratonicki (Kambouris) Semerzakis, with whom he shared 57 wonderful years. Nicholas enjoyed the company of many close friends through his years as a tradesman, entrepreneur and, in retirement, a philanthropist. His professional career included years as a Pipe Inspector at Electric Boat and the owner/operator of Ashford Pizza. After retiring to Greece with he wife, they enjoyed traveling back and forth between their two beloved countries, frequently enjoying visits from their children, grandchildren and just recently, a great grandchild. Nicholas was an avid violinist and loved classical music. He served as a member of AHEPA, and the Parish council in Bati, Rhodes, Greece. In Greece, he also took it upon himself to restore the iconography of the Panagias tis Keimiseis monastery and portions of the architecture of the Yiannis Theologos church. He is survived by his wife Nicki; four children, John Semezakis and his wife Teresa of Willington, CT. Carrie Stevens and her husband Gary of Ashford CT. Vasilios Semerzakis of Mansfield, CT. Mary Semerzakis-Tolokan and her husband Anthony of North Salt Lake, UT. Nine grandchildren and a great grandchild, Vasilios Diakogeorgiou and his wife Eleni, Jesse Stevens and his wife Katie, Nikki Stevens, Niko & Peter Semerzakis, Marissa Grant, Erianthi Semerzakis, Yanni & Alek Tolokan, and Kyriakoula Diakogeorgiou. Friends are welcomed to join the family at his funeral services on Saturday, December 11, 12:00 pm at the Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church, 28 Dog Lane, Storrs, CT 06268. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church. To offer memories or words of sympathy, please visit http://www.potterfuneralhome.com/