Nick Nackos

Nick C. Nackos, beloved and respected gentleman, community icon, and American Patriot passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015 in St. George in the loving embrace of Laura, his wife of 73 years. Nick was born April 27, 1921 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He went to Greece when he was an infant and attended grade school in Athens. He returned to the US and attend some school in Bingham, Utah where he knew only Greek. By the time he attended West High School in Salt Lake City, he was fluent in both Greek and English, and "Determined to speak perfect English with no trace of an accent," he would tell later. Nick married the love of his life, Laura Edrie Dalton January 31, 1942 in Ely, Nevada. After becoming members of the LDS Church, they were sealed in the temple in Alberta, Canada.

Nick served valiantly in the US Army, surviving two historical battles that changed the tides toward victory in World War II. Returning again, he would serve as an MP in the Korean War. He was highly decorated, earned two silver stars and four bronze stars. In WWII he was a member of E company, 26th Infantry Regiment, who in Normandy stormed ashore on “Omaha” Beach on “D-Day”, 6 June 1944. The "Big Red One" pushed Germany eastward, Nick led his men through Battle of the Bulge, 16 December 1944 through 25 January 1945. Finally, leading a prominent role as Staff Sergeant, he and his men cleared houses in bitter urban fighting in Aachen. He was wounded shortly thereafter, in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, tripping a German booby-trap that caused an explosion which wounded him and resulted in the Purple Heart.

Nick was an accomplished businessman and entrepreneur. After the war he strategically developed and launched what would become a large supermarket distribution company in Southern California. He sold this business to move to Utah so Laura could be by her mom and started over, eventually working up to the position of Vice President of Public Relations for Zions Bank in St. George.

Nick was involved in many community organizations including Director of the Chamber of Commerce for St. George and Hurricane, President of the Washington County American Cancer Society and was on the board of directors of the State American Institute of Banking. He was in high demand as a motivational trainer/speaker, delivering Key Note appearances for numerous business and educational organizations across the country. He was also once chosen the "Total Citizen for the State of Utah.'

Nick served in three different bishoprics for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and has the honor of being the first person of Greek descent to be called to the office of bishop. Nick also cherished serving as a counselor in the Southern California Mission Presidency. One of the most treasured times of his life was as Bishop of the Buena Park Ward in California. He would recall many times throughout his life the relationships, experiences and friendships that were maintained and retold up to the day he passed.

Bowling was among the most enjoyable activities of his golden years. The leagues they played in and the resulting friendships have been a source of great joy to both he and Laura. His family thanks Dixie Bowl and Sunset Bowl for the loving care over the years.

Nick is survived by his adored sweetheart and wife, Laura Dalton Nackos and his five children: Lila Nackos of Flower Mound, TX; Lorraine Nackos of Las Vegas, NV; Chuck & wife Brenda Nackos of Enoch, UT; Kelly & wife Patti Nackos of Draper, UT; and Scott & wife Julie Nackos of Windsor, CO. He is also survived by brother Gust Nackos of Redondo Beach, CA, Sister Mary & husband Tony Caputo of Salt lake City, UT; sister Helen & husband Aristophani Delphos of Stanton island, NY; and Sister-in-law Margaret Nackos of North Hollywood, CA. He is proceeded in death by his father & mother Isadore and Elleni Nackos of Greece, Sister Peggy Nackos of Greece, his oldest brother Jim Nackos of Springville, UT; brother Harry Nackos of North Hollywood, CA.

Viewing will be Saturday 1/24/15 at 12:30 pm; Services 2:00 pm; Location: Hurricane LDS Stake Center 677 South 700 West, Hurricane, UT 84737. Interment at the Hurricane City Cemetery.