Nicholas “Nikko” Z. Vlahos, 88 of Zanesville, died 8:22 PM, Wednesday, September 11, 2024, peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born October 30, 1935, in Exanthia, a village on the Island of Lefkas, Greece, the son of the late Zoy and Margarita (Fotoglou) Vlahos. He married Theresa (Nader) Vlahos on Sunday, December 31, 2000, and was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Life-Giving Fountain in Martins Ferry.
To come to America, Nikko was required to have a sponsor in this country. In 1955, his uncle, Gus, became his sponsor. He landed in New York, speaking no English, with $ 13.00 in his pocket. A stranger befriended him and took him to the train station to purchase a ticket to Zanesville.
Arriving in Zanesville, he worked at his uncle’s shop, Economy Hat Shop, and attended school in the evenings to learn to speak English. Nikko remained ever grateful to his uncle for his start in his beloved America. In Nikko’s words coming to America was like coming from “hell to heaven.”
In 1961, Nikko started his own dry-cleaning and laundromat business at the point in Zanesville, and in 1967, he started his 2nd store in Coshocton. With the help of his wife and son, both businesses have been in continuous operation for over 59 years.
Nikko enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved to garden and enjoyed watching and playing golf, tennis and soccer, and was instrumental in starting the soccer league in Coshocton, in the 1980’s. His kindness and generosity impacted many, many people, including family, friends, employees and even strangers. Nikko wanted to help change lives for the better,
He was a lifetime member of the Coshocton Elks Club and The Greek American Club, known as AHEPA. He was also the past president of the Ohio Cleaners Association. Nikko loved to travel, Greek Dancing, Greek Food and Greek Music. Nikko was a true proud Greek.
Nikko is survived by his loving wife of nearly 25 years, Theresa Nader-Vlahos of the home; one son, Athan Vlahos of Coshocton; many nieces and nephews, Georgia Vlahos, Rita (Scott) Smithers, George (Nancy) Vlahos, Emily (Randy) Gerber, Gus Vlahos, Gabe Nader, Amelia Nader and Lila Nader; several great nieces and great nephews; his family in Greece; his father-in-law, Louis G. Nader, Sr. and two brothers-in-law, Louis G. Nader, Jr. and Michael (Julie) Nader.
In addition to his parents, Nikko was preceded in death by one brother and sister-in-law, Pericles & Voula Vlahos; two sisters, Stamata and Dina Vlahos and his mother-in-law, Yvonne M. Nader.
Friends may call 10:00 AM till 1:00 PM, Monday, September 16, 2024, at the Hillis, Combs & Nestor Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, where Greek Orthodox Funeral Rites will follow at 1:00 PM with Fr. Constantine Makrinos officiating. Nikko will be laid to rest in the family plots in Greenwood Cemetery. The Vlahos Family would like to thank the staff of Genesis Hospice for all the care and attention given to Nikko during his illness.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of The Life-Giving Fountain, 314 North Fifth Street, Martins Ferry, Ohio 43935, in Nikko’s memory. To sign the online register book or to send a personal condolence note please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com
