Obituary

Nicos Tigulis, an adored husband, father, Dedo and friend to all, peacefully passed away on September 5, 2023 with his family lovingly by his side. After years of battling heart failure, he left this world to be with Jesus following an open heart procedure he courageously underwent for his family. Necessary because doctors said his heart was "just too big," mirroring the boundless love he had for those lucky to have known him.

Nicos was born on March 10, 1945 in the small village, Bapchor, Greece, to Jovan Tigulis and Stojanka Kuliveov. At the tender age of two, he became an orphan, tragically losing both of his parents during the Greek Civil War. At the age of three, in the dark of night, he became a child refugee, escaping the horrors of the war under the care of his aunt and other children from the now-vanished village. They embarked on a perilous journey, traveling under the cover of night and seeking refuge by day, evading the constant threat of strafing and bombs. After finding safety in Macedonia, he was taken by train to an orphanage in Romania, where he was raised by his aunt Vasilka Tigulis. At the age of 22 he received word that his grandfather and his father's sister, Vasilka Dillianis, was in Fort Wayne, Indiana, searching for him. Shortly thereafter, he bravely left all that he knew in Romania and embarked on his journey to America.

In Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was welcomed with open arms by the Macedonian community. He was given a job bussing tables at Suburban House while working diligently to learn the English language and demonstrating his strong work ethic and determination to overcome. Nicos learned carpentry skills and secured employment at Whitley Manufacturing in South Whitley, Indiana, where he dedicated an impressive 47 years of his life. Nicos was renowned for his unparalleled work ethic but his fun spirit too. He tirelessly maintained two jobs throughout most of his lifetime, laboring at Whitley during the day and working as a bartender at a restaurant owned by friends at night. As a child who came from nothing, he took immense pride in his bartending job. At the age of 78, he was still working as a prep cook with his beloved cousin, Pete Tsuleff.

In April of 1976, friends introduced Nicos to Donna Nanchoff (Tigulis) and they grew in love quickly. On October 10, 1976, they were married. Together, they built a wonderful life that included his true joy of raising three sons: Nicholas (Abby), Andrew (Andrea), and Jason (Sahsha). Driven by his dreams of providing for his wife and three boys what he did not have as a child—a loving family, a beautiful home, and a joyful childhood—he worked tirelessly to provide only the best for his wife and boys. He went above and beyond in succeeding in achieving these heartfelt aspirations. Nicos took immense pride in his sons, because unlike himself, they pursued higher education and found professions they were passionate about. His sons' accomplishments filled him with a deep sense of pride and satisfaction.

Nicos discovered his true purpose in life with the addition of his beloved grandchildren Eli, Zeb, Mila, Graham, Finley, Callum, and Jackson, who lovingly called him Dedo. THIS was his favorite title and he excelled at it.

Nicos's deep love for his family and friends radiated through his expansive, infectious smile and his remarkable ability to bring laughter to people's lives by simply being his wonderfully goofy self. When dancing and humming to himself, that's how you knew he was happiest. He never left a restaurant without stashing every morsel of leftover in a to-go box, because no food goes to waste. He was famous for his signature stocking cap he wore indoors and out and for proudly wearing his boys' old worn highschool football t-shirts. On payday Fridays, he'd load up the boys in the Mercury Lynx and after depositing his paycheck, would make a trip to Burger King, feeding them with a handful of 2 for 1 coupons. The grandkids always knew Dedo's pockets were stashed with candy just for them. There wasn't a penny on the ground his thrifty self wouldn't pick up and saved loose change for his 7 grandkids in piggy banks labeled with their names. There wasn't a home DIY project or an oil change; he wouldn't drop everything to "supervise." Always eager to help and be the boss, these home projects guaranteed the best entertainment and created lasting memories.

For many years, he was a devoted member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. His often quiet but ever faithful belief in Jesus is a legacy he's proudly passed on to his boys and grandchildren. Nicos was filled with immense pride when he became a U.S. citizen on April 20th, 1976. A momentous occasion that marked his commitment to his new homeland and the promises it would bring. He loved the song "God Bless the U.S.A." and would shout the lyrics loud and proud with a huge smile on his face for his adopted country.

Donna and Nicos cherished their adventures together, with cruising being a particular favorite. After years of hard work, Nicos gifted their family of 15 a recent trip of a lifetime—an unforgettable 10-day Mediterranean cruise. Embarking from his motherland of Greece, this trip gifted treasured memories that will forever bind their hearts together.

He leaves a lasting legacy prioritizing the very best and right things in life; hard work, family and faith. He will be missed beyond measure.

Memorial services will be held at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral (3535 Crescent Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN). Visitation will be Tuesday, September 12th, from 2:00-4:00 pm and 5:00-8:00pm, with a Trisagion Hymn at 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be Wednesday, Sept 13th, at 11:00 am, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Followed by burial at Highland Park Cemetery and a luncheon following the burial. The family asks that donations be made to St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral.

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