Nikolaos "Papa" Nick Mantis
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Nikolaos "Papa" Nick Mantis

  • September 13, 1930 - February 8, 2012
  • Gloucester Point, Virginia
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Hogg Funeral Home

3098 George Washington Hwy
PO Box 990
Gloucester Point, VA 23062
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Memories & Candles

“Rena, Martha, Jimmy and Tommy, Though I had not seen Papa Nick for many years, I remember him fondly from the years that I worked for you at the...Read More » ”
1 of 6 | Posted by: Joanne Cox Wright - West Point, VA

“My sister, Maggie Trepasso, is a long time employer of Nick's and has always felt like he was a father to her. We always went there to the restaurant...Read More » ”
2 of 6 | Posted by: Jackie and Eugene Vance - WV

“Our thoughts are with you and your family. ”
3 of 6 | Posted by: Art & Virginia Braswell - VA

“Thank you for so many years of your love and friendship. You will be greatly missed. Love you Pop. Maggie Trepasso ”
4 of 6 | Posted by: Maggie Ttepasso - Hays, VA

“My thoughts go out to the Mantis Family.Mr. Nick was always so welcoming when we came into the restaurant and everything I have heard over the years...Read More » ”
5 of 6 | Posted by: Juanita Halliday - hayes, VA

“May you find the strength in your close friends to to help ease your pain in the passing of such a fine man. I will always remember him as generous...Read More » ”
6 of 6 | Posted by: Mike Conner & Family - Hampton, VA


Gloucester Point: Nikolaos Dimitrios Mantis, 81, died February 8, 2012. "Papa" Nick, born in 1930 in Karpenisis, Greece, was known to be a man of strength, courage, love and a hard-worker. Owning a restaurant in Greece and having served in the military for two years, he decided to bring his wife and family to America to fulfill the American Dream. In 1968, he moved to Newport News, VA and in January of 1978, he opened the first Nick's Spaghetti and Steak House. Through hard work and perseverance, in August of 1979, Nick was able to open a second location in King and Queen.
"Papa" Nick was always known to be not only the life of the party, but dedicated to his life and family. He had a passion for dancing Tsamiko, a Greek line dance, as well as spending time with family. Spending holidays with thirty to fifty family members, Nick valued those who were precious to him. Family didn't necessarily mean blood to Nick, it meant those who cared for him, treated his family and person with respect, and valued life the way he did. Nick loved to give to others, for example, participating in charities such as 'Relay for Life' and 'Toys for Tots'. Nick was a strong man who had passion for his family, restaurant, and life in general and left this world truly achieving his dream. He will be remembered by all and has truly touched the lives of all he has met in a special way.
He is survived by:
His wife of 52 years: Rena Mantis
Daughter: Martha M. Matheos and husband James
Sons: Jimmy Mantis and wife Maria
Tom Mantis
Grandchildren: Nick, Niko, Stella, Matthew, Madisen and Gina
Sisters: Athena, Alexandra, Dafni, Lea and Rodanthi
Funeral service officiated by Reverend George Chioros will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday February 11, 2012 at Saint Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. A Trisagion service will be held 7:00 p.m. Friday evening, February 10, 2012 followed by receiving of friends until 8:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point.
In our beloved Nick's memory donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, c/o Mrs. G. Edward Mowry, 7274 Joseph Lewis Road, Hayes, Virginia 23072 or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 6350 Center Drive, Suite 216, Norfolk, Virginia 23502.