Papanicholas, Sr., Nicholas Epamenondas Of Mount Prospect, Illinois was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 27, 1948, to the late Epamenondas and Irene (nee Solopoulos) Papanicholas. He passed away unexpectedly but peacefully surrounded by his family on December 20, 2016, in Arlington Heights, IL. He grew up in Oak Park and attended Oak Park-River Forest High School then went on to Northern Illinois University. After college, he went to work for Emery Worldwide where he met the love of his life, Nancy (nee Dawson). They married in 1978 and had 4 children, Nick, Jr. (Katie), Joe (Abbie), Tony, Gina (Nick) Bertolini; proud Papou of nine grandchildren, Maggie, Joey, Nicky, Sammy, Gus, Luke, George, Rocky, and Baby Bertolini; his sisters, Efthymia (the late Christ) Bekas and Lisa (the late Rick) Raysa; his in-laws, the late Thomas and Patricia Dawson, Jan Ramion, John and Linda Vigna, the late Thomas and Merrily Dawson, Bob and JoAnn Dawson; and loving uncle to countless nieces and nephews. Nick was the founder and President of Nicholas and Associates, Inc., Architectural Door Solutions, Inc., and most recently the Mount Prospect Ice Arena. With a small construction opportunity in 1978, Nick took his vision and turned it into a multi-million dollar construction enterprise, building schools, churches, park and recreation, and municipal projects throughout Illinois & Wisconsin. From 2006 through 2016 he led his firm to the top of the K-12 construction industry, handling all construction & capital needs for over 35 local school districts. He was a brilliant businessman, whose practicality, indefatigability and vision could take the smallest idea and execute it. As vast as his business accomplishments were, his persona was even more so. He had a magnetic personality. He was a great story-teller, who could effortlessly entertain a room full of people with his jokes and his ability to find the humor in any situation. He was a friend to all, and a friend for life. He was just a "regular" guy who treated people with respect and compassion. An extremely kind and generous man, giving was Nick's thing. His life's mantra was "If you give it away it all comes back ten-fold", and he spent every minute giving every inch of his being to those around him. Anyone who knew him, loved him. Anyone who loved him, wanted to be near him. He was the rock of the family and will be sorely missed by all. Visitation will be held at Cumberland Funeral Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL on Thursday, December 22, 2016, from 3:00 9:00 p.m. Friends and family are asked to meet at St. James Catholic Church, 820 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL on Friday, December 23, 2016, for funeral Mass 10:00 a.m. Nick was passionate about providing an opportunity for any youngster to play ice hockey, especially those kids with a disability. In lieu of flowers, the Papanicholas family has asked that donations be sent to the Hornets Sled Hockey Team, 859 Oakton Street, Elk Grove, IL 60007. The Hornets Sled Hockey team provides an opportunity, at no cost, for any individual with a physical disability to participate in the great sport of hockey. The Hornets are funded 100% through donations.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Dec. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Papanicholas

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

19 Entries

alvin

September 16, 2022

rest in peace papa nick. loved him in alvin and the chipmunks two, the squeakquel.

Patti Albertelli -Hill

December 24, 2016

I just heard about all of the losses that you endured this year. Between my mom and Nick and your mom and your brother it's overwhelming. I'm so sorry I wish there was something I could do. We will always have our memories. Nick was one of a kind, I think he's the only person that was able to get my dad to loosen up the way he did. If there's anything I can do I'm here. You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers I wish I could be there with you guys. Patti

Frank Avino

December 22, 2016

To the Entire Papanicholas Family,

We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy for the passing of Nikc Sr. He was a strong patriarch and loving presence. We respected and loved him. For many years we felt a strong connection between the Papanicholas and the Avino families. We pray for Nick and wish all of you the best.
May he Rest in Peace.

Frank, Chris, Frank and Vincent Avino

December 22, 2016

Nancy & family: Our deepest sympathy and prayers our with you at this time. He will truly be missed!
Sincerely,

Tom & Ann Tripicchio

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Nicole Gamboney Nichols

December 22, 2016

Dear Nancy , Nick , Joe, Tony and Gina,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and Dad. Heaven surely gained another great one. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Nicole Gamboney Nichols

Mr. & Mrs. Chris Laughlin And Family

December 22, 2016

To The Papanicholas Family, Our Sincere Sympathy And Prayers Are With You At This Most Difficult Time. May Your Memories Bring You Comfort.The Laughlin Family

Linda Cerqua

December 21, 2016

Nancy and Family, I am so very sorry to hear of Nick's passing. The memories of Emery Air Freight where we all met will never be forgotten. They were good, fun memories. Nick was a great guy. He was so very proud of his family. He will be greatly missed. All of you and Nick are in my prayers. Peace be with all of you.

The Staff of Cumberland Chapels

December 22, 2016

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

December 21, 2016

Dear Papanicholas family,
Our Deepest sympathies go out to you during this time of sadness and loss.
My wife and I grew up with Nick in Oak Park and enjoyed many good times together. My wife went to kindergarten with him and I went through school with him. He was fun loving, smart and had a very infectious smile that everyone loved. He was one heck of a competitor also.
May God Bless you all.

Jim and Donna(Dahlberg) Heyer

James Whitener

Sent Flowers

francis Lolli

Sent Flowers

James Whitener

December 21, 2016

I had the pleasure of spending a couple days a year with Nick when he came down to Phoenix to watch his Chicago Blackhawks. I looked forward to his visit every year as he was one of the most gracious and kind human beings I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I'm deeply saddened to hear of his passing and send my deepest sympathies and prayers to his family. You will be greatly missed Nick.

Ed Kadlec, Jr

December 21, 2016

Nick Jr., Joe, I am so sorry to hear about you dad, he was one of the good guys a class act and will be missed. I would like to send my condolences to the Papanicholas family during this difficult time.

Peg Coker

December 21, 2016

Lisa, so sorry to hear that your brother has passed. Sympathy.

Nancie Frighetto

December 21, 2016

Dear Joe, Abby and the Papanicholas Family,

Our condolences, and we are very sorry for your loss. We will be thinking of all of you during this difficult time and during the Holidays.

With Sympathy and Prayer,
The Frighetto Family

Carole Sykora

Sent Flowers

David and Althea

December 21, 2016

Gina we are so sorry for your loss and offer our deepest condolences to the Papanicholas family. May you draw close to God during this time and he will draw close to you.

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