1918
George
2013
George S. Nickoloff
October 12, 1918 — October 12, 2013
George Solomon Nickoloff, passed away peacefully on his 95th birthday, Saturday, October 12, 2013, with his family by his side.
George was born in Tetovo, Macedonia, to Mara and Solomon Nikolic. George changed his last name to "Nickoloff" when he came to the United States at the age of 18, sponsored by his Aunt and Uncle. He worked at St. Vincents Hospital and White Palace bakery. At the onset of WWII, George enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served from April 7, 1941 to December 16, 1944 when he was injured and flown back to the United States. Paralyzed from an injury to the spine, it was doubtful he would ever walk again. George being the strong and determined Macedonian he was, walked out of the VA Hospital two years later.
George then went to work for Haugen Automotive as a mechanic. In 1950, George decided it was time to settle down and marry. He traveled to Belgrade Yugoslavia where his sister, Nada Trifunovic, introduced him to a beautiful young woman, Zaga Popovic. After three days, George proposed and they were married ten days later on December 10, 1950 at Saborna Crkva (church) in Belgrade Yugoslavia.
Zaga came to her new home in Portland where they began their wonderful life together. George worked for tavern owner Sam Duman. In 1952, George and Zaga's first daughter Helen was born, followed by Olga and Nada (preceded in death).
George was a self-made man. Soon after Helen was born, George opened his own tavern, George's Corner Tavern. He turned an ice cream parlor into a successful neighborhood tavern. George and Zaga both worked hard together in their business. Many customers became very dear friends. George loved his family and was a wonderful husband and Father (Tato). If it was possible for George to love even more, it was when his grandchildren were born in 1985: Spyros M Kollias Jr and Anna Maria Belesiotis. His grandchildren were his pride and joy!
Life changed for George when Zaga passed away unexpectedly in 2009. George then moved to The Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. His family spoke with him every day, and visited weekly. George really appreciated all the visits from the many parishioners of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. George's Macedonian values have been instilled in his children and grandchildren. He is forever in our hearts.
George is survived by his daughter Helen Kollias, son in law Spyros Kollias, Sr, daughter Olga Belesiotis (Tom Belesiotis dec'd 2008), Beloved grandchildren Spyros Kollias, Jr and Anna Maria Belesiotis, and his nephew Dusan Trifunovic in Belgrade, Serbia.
We would like to acknowledge the wonderful Doctors, Nurses and Aids at the Oregon Veterans Home and Mid Columbia Medical Center who gave George the heartfelt care.
Funeral service at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral , October 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions to the Father Elias Stefanopoulos Memorial fund.
Please visit: www.rosecityfuneralhome.com for remembrances and guest book. 503-281-3821
George was born in Tetovo, Macedonia, to Mara and Solomon Nikolic. George changed his last name to "Nickoloff" when he came to the United States at the age of 18, sponsored by his Aunt and Uncle. He worked at St. Vincents Hospital and White Palace bakery. At the onset of WWII, George enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served from April 7, 1941 to December 16, 1944 when he was injured and flown back to the United States. Paralyzed from an injury to the spine, it was doubtful he would ever walk again. George being the strong and determined Macedonian he was, walked out of the VA Hospital two years later.
George then went to work for Haugen Automotive as a mechanic. In 1950, George decided it was time to settle down and marry. He traveled to Belgrade Yugoslavia where his sister, Nada Trifunovic, introduced him to a beautiful young woman, Zaga Popovic. After three days, George proposed and they were married ten days later on December 10, 1950 at Saborna Crkva (church) in Belgrade Yugoslavia.
Zaga came to her new home in Portland where they began their wonderful life together. George worked for tavern owner Sam Duman. In 1952, George and Zaga's first daughter Helen was born, followed by Olga and Nada (preceded in death).
George was a self-made man. Soon after Helen was born, George opened his own tavern, George's Corner Tavern. He turned an ice cream parlor into a successful neighborhood tavern. George and Zaga both worked hard together in their business. Many customers became very dear friends. George loved his family and was a wonderful husband and Father (Tato). If it was possible for George to love even more, it was when his grandchildren were born in 1985: Spyros M Kollias Jr and Anna Maria Belesiotis. His grandchildren were his pride and joy!
Life changed for George when Zaga passed away unexpectedly in 2009. George then moved to The Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. His family spoke with him every day, and visited weekly. George really appreciated all the visits from the many parishioners of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. George's Macedonian values have been instilled in his children and grandchildren. He is forever in our hearts.
George is survived by his daughter Helen Kollias, son in law Spyros Kollias, Sr, daughter Olga Belesiotis (Tom Belesiotis dec'd 2008), Beloved grandchildren Spyros Kollias, Jr and Anna Maria Belesiotis, and his nephew Dusan Trifunovic in Belgrade, Serbia.
We would like to acknowledge the wonderful Doctors, Nurses and Aids at the Oregon Veterans Home and Mid Columbia Medical Center who gave George the heartfelt care.
Funeral service at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral , October 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions to the Father Elias Stefanopoulos Memorial fund.
Please visit: www.rosecityfuneralhome.com for remembrances and guest book. 503-281-3821
Trisiagon Service
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
3131 N.E. Glisan
Portland
,
OR
US
Tuesday, October 15, 2013, 7:00 PM
Service
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
3131 NE Glisan Street
Portland
,
OR
US
Wednesday, October 16, 2013, 11:00 AM
Cemetery
Rose City Cemetery
5625 N.E. Fremont St.
Portland
,
OR
US
97213-1754
Wednesday, October 16, 2013, 1:00 PM
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