Nick Gritsonis passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack on January 6, 2020 at the age of 60.

Nick was born on March 5, 1959 and was adopted as a baby by his parents John Gritsonis and Muriel Gritsonis. He was named after his father's one brother Nick, who was shot down as an airplane tailgunner during World War II.

He grew up in North Hollywood, California and attended North Hollywood schools including Grant High School. He attended Los Angeles Valley College for 2 years before transferring to Cal State Los Angeles where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in geology.

He worked for Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) in data processing, and afterwards managed his family properties.

He loved photography and planes. He took photos of planes at local southern California airports including, LAX (Los Angeles), Long Beach, Burbank, Van Nuys (for older planes) and would travel to Australia, Paris, Germany to take photos of his favorite planes. He visited Seattle, Washington a half dozen times to get a tour of Boeing and their planes. He was planning to go back to visit Boeing to see the new 777 plane that is coming out when he passed away. He collected model planes as well, and was very knowledgeable on the topic.

Nick was a proud member of AHEPA - the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. He was initiated on April 2, 1986. He was a long time Chapter Secretary for the Pasadena Rose Bowl Chapter #373, and was active in their events. He attended many District Conventions.

Nick was a great son who cared for his mother, as well as his dog Marley. She told him to enjoy his life and get a new home after she passed. He did that, and purchased a ranch style house in Northridge. He was generous and had a tremendous hospitality for his friends and neighbors. He enjoyed giving many pool parties. One memorable party was on June 30, 2018 when he hosted a 90th birthday party for Mrs. Haginakis, including a rented bounce house for his friends' children and grandchildren, as well as having a bouzouki player too. There was always delicious Greek food or barbecue at his parties.

He is survived by cousin Dean Gritsonis, age 72, of Chicago; his first cousin Nancy (Gritsonis) Lally of Carol Stream, Illinois; godfather Dean Aronis of Los Angeles and goddaughter Maria Nikolopoulos of southern California.

He is also survived by dear friends Louie Georgies, Peter Triantafyllos, Liz Haginakis, Jane Poulos, John Poulos, Anna Hronis, Steven Tripodes, Dean Tripodes, Nick Demos, Alex Soles, Ramsay Seikaly, John Triantafyllos and many other friends.

Funeral service at 10:30 am on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 9501 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91325. Interment to follow at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nick's memory can be made to Pasadena AHEPA, 778 South Rosemead Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107-5613.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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