Nicholas James “Nick” Kalonturos, 90, of Ocean View, Del., passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016. He was born Dec. 8, 1926, in Washington, D.C., the firstborn of James and Georgia Kalonturos, followed by his sisters, Dimitra and Lorraine.
Kalonturos went to St. John’s College High School in D.C. but left at the age of 17 to join the Navy and assist in Panama during World War II. After his discharge, he followed in his father’s footsteps and went into the produce business.
In October 1949, Kalonturos met the love of his life, Aphrodite Katsaros. They wed on Sept.17, 1950. They began their family in the spring of 1952.
Kalonturos spent many years in the restaurant business until he retired to Ocean View. He was part of one of the founding families of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in D.C. and remained an active member of Saint Sophia’s as well as Saint George’s in Ocean City, Md.
On sunny days Kalonturos could be seen out in his home garden tending to his fig trees, growing gardenias and most importantly, caring for his knockout rose bushes.
His attention to his garden could be seen as a testament to the way he lived his life as a husband, father and grandfather: caring for those he loved the most and nurturing them to grow.
“It is not length of life, but depth of life.” These poignant words by Ralph Waldo Emerson ring true when reflecting on his impressive 90 years of life. He was a man of much pride, integrity, faith and love. His passion for living life to the fullest left an impression on all who knew him and he will be missed.
Kalonturos is survived by his wife of 66 years, Aphrodite; his four children, James Kalonturos, George Kalonturos, Melissa Rellos Gasparis and Christina Keith; two sons-in-law, George Gasparis and Curtis Keith; five grandchildren, Toni Nicole Rellos Gasparis, Christopher Gasparis, Nikolas, Zachary and Zoë Keith, whom he was very proud of.
He was preceded in death by son-in-law, Anthony Rellos.
A viewing was scheduled for Dec. 27, 2016, at Melson Funeral Services, Ocean View, Del., with funeral service on Dec. 28 at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, Ocean City, Md., and burial at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro, Del.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church or to Compassionate Care Hospice; 20165 Office Circle, Ste. 2; Georgetown, DE 19947.
Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.