menu

Subscribe to Obituary List

Celebrating the life of

Nicholas (Nick) Pappas

Passed away on May 23, 2025

Nicholas (Nick) Pappas

Nicholas “Nick” Pappas, age 80, passed away peacefully at home in Savannah, Georgia on May 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. Nick was one of those rare people who made everyone he met feel cared for and comfortable. Born in Evia, Greece in 1944, Nick began working as a steward on cruise ships in his teenage years, collecting countless sea-faring stories as he visited ports all over the world. He later served four years in the Greek Navy, stationed alongside American soldiers in Crete during the 1960s. He immigrated to New York City in the 1970s before settling in Detroit. It was there that he met his beloved wife, Laura. Before settling in Savannah, Nick traveled extensively across the country for business, selling fine jewelry. He loved the road, meeting new people, and building relationships — always with a story to share and a sparkle in his eye. His passion for entrepreneurship and connection followed him throughout his life and career.

In 1991, Nick and his longtime friend and business partner, Vasilis Varlagas, were invited by then Savannah Mayor John Rousakis to visit the city. They instantly fell in love with Savannah’s historic charm and riverfront, and decided to move their families here and open what would become a true Savannah institution the Olympia Cafe. It was through Olympia that most people came to know this amazing, generous, and charismatic man that always had a joke, a story, and a delicious meal. Nick loved cooking for and connecting with his customers, many of whom became lifelong friends. He took hospitality seriously, honoring the Greek tradition of caring for travelers. Sailors from around the world looked forward to docking in Savannah and spending an evening with Nick and his crew.

Proud of his family, Nick doted on his loving daughters, Jackie and Colette, and more recently on his grandchildren, Marla and Nicholas, of course named after his grandfather. To his daughters, Nick was a hero — strong, loving, and endlessly supportive. He pushed them to grow, to think independently, and to be strong. He was deeply proud of who they became, and his love and guidance will remain with them always.

Nick’s passing leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of his family, friends, and employees, that can only be filled by remembering his irreverent wit, kind heart, and indestructible spirit. He is survived by his wife, Laura Pappas; daughters Jaqueline and Colette Pappas; grandchildren Marla and Nicholas; brothers Stamatis and George; nephews Harry and Akis; nieces Genia, Anastasia and Efi. He is also survived by his Olympia family and business partner of over 35 years, Vasilis.

We love you, Nick — thank you for showing us a life well lived, and a heart well filled. May his memory be eternal.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 30, 2025, at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 1401 Bull St (corner of Bull St. and Anderson St.), Savannah, GA 31401.  Father Thomas Guerry will officiate.  The burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

Image
GUEST BOOK

I cannot overstate how much Nick and Olympia have meant to me, my late wife and my family over many years. We will miss his smiling face! Our thoughts are with the family.

- Larry Pike, Atlanta and Tybee Island, Georgia

Nick was a wonderful person and a friend ,may he rest in peace.

- Anthony Alfonso, Savannah, Georgia

I first met Nick and Vas when they were building Olympia on the inside, usually around 2 or 3 a.m.. I was a cop then and River Street was my beat. I remember stopping in to meet them both. Little did I know it would spawn a close personal friendship between us for over 30 years. I grew to know the family as the years passed. I am very saddened by the passing of Nick Pappas, I feel as if I've lost a family member. I will always remember Nick as being a smart, witty, very hard working, dedicated man. He was laser focused on his family, friends, and his business. But somehow, he was never too busy to say Hello and share a laugh with everyone. I am happy to have known Nick Pappas, and I will miss him very much.

- Charlie Fields, Bluffton, SC

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Nick. He will truly be missed by the many patrons who grew to love him and his business partner in their adopted home. I met Nick after he moved to Savannah. I worked for the City of Savannah as Central Services Director and was the liaison when they decided to establish a restaurant on River Street. He and Vas worked hard to develop an iconic establishment that soon became a Savannah tradition for many families and friends. On behalf of my family, we are grateful that God allowed our paths to cross and we were blessed to have known this Savannah servant.

- Carolyn Bell, Savannah, Georgia

Rest in peace my friend. Prayers for your family and friends.

- Trundle, Rincon, GA

What a lovely tribute to an even lovelier man may God wrap his loving arms around you and give you the peace that passeth all understanding. Fly high my friend. Thank you for treating me like family. I will never forget the impact you have had on me. Love, Ladinna.

- Ladonna Johnson, Warner Robins GA, GA

I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

- Anna Tompkins, Savannah, Georgia

Nick was truly one of a kind. He was somehow able to manage being one of the hardest working men I have very met and one of the best dads I have ever met, all at the same time. His family loved him dearly, and I believe that is one of the biggest accomplishments one can achieve. He always made me feel like family when I was around, and I am so grateful that I got a moment to know him. His presence and energy will forever be missed. I pray that his entire family will always cherish what time they had with him, especially in moments of sorrow. My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Laura, Jackie, Collette, his beautiful Grand Children, and everyone else he leaves behind. ~Olivia Johnston

- Olivia Johnston, Madison, GA

Nick was a dear friend from Detroit to Savanah. The Olympia Cafe was dear to our hearts and the friendships and food just grew together. A life well-lived for all to relish.

- The Boggs Family, Savanah , Georgia

Rest in Peace, Nick. You were an amazing guy with some great stories.

- Garry Patrick, Savannah, GA

Jackie, my heart is with you and your family. Your dad was a truly special man, and I know how much he meant to you. I hope you feel surrounded by love and support in the days ahead. Sending you all my love and deepest sympathy.

- Frances Abrams, Savannah, Ga

Jackie, We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved father. During this time, may you feel the love and support of your SFPS family surrounding you. We're thinking of you, lifting you in prayer, and sending our heartfelt condolences.

- Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery, Savannah, GA

Nick was part of a generation that cannot be replaced. He had such a wonderful presence and caring soul that touched the lives of everyone he encountered. Over the years Nick has shared many stories and an immense amount of advice that will carry on into the far future with me. I am sure many more feel the same. As one of our favorite customers, Nick was a true friend, he will be missed terribly. I can only imagine the void that will be left behind for his family. Like the passing of a ship in the night, his wake will carry on in our memory forever. My heart goes out to his wonderful wife and family. The Olympia Cafe will always be a great way to remember this wonderful man and the path he built for us to follow.

- Rob Parker , Savannah, GA

Dear Laura and the extended Pappas family: Please accept our deepest sympathies, condolences and prayers on the recent and sudden passing of Nick. May his soul Rest In Peace.

- Christopher Desa, Savannah, Georgia

So sorry to learn of Nick's passing. I have always loved his restaurant, the food and the staff. When I worked part-time in an office that was above the cafe, I would often skip lunch to have a take-out supper from the Olympia to enjoy as I worked. The gyros were the best!

- Beth Donnelly, Savannah, GA

While Wayne had known Nick for many years selling food to him for his business and became a friend, I only knew him a short time of about 25 years. He was an extremely kind and generous soul. We will miss his presence every time we visit Olympia Cafe in the future. Rest in peace our dear friend.

- Wayne and Sally Best, Guyton, GA

Laura. Colette and Jackie We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Nick. He was the kindest person .He always asked for Amanda. Guess he never forgot people and there names. I am praying for you . Sending a big hug. Kristina Tommy Hanna Davis. Chris Stephens and Amanda Stephens

- Kristina Davis, Savannah, Georgia

Nick was a very special human. A very caring and generous person. Always willing to share. He took the time and taught me Opa, flaming cheese that I always credid Nick. RIP chef

- Tony Biggs, Medina , Ohio

A candle has been lit!

Nick was not only a neighbor, he was family to my wife & I and I and our two children, we will always miss you Uncle Nick

- William Grayson Christopher, Savannah, GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
912-898-0900