Nicholas John Vassos - Obituary

icholas John Vassos, 83, a 26-year resident of Silver Spring and formerly of Rockville, MD, passed away on July 3, 2016 at his home. Born on January 9, 1933 in Washington, DC to the late John and Katherine “Katina” Vassos, Nicholas graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1952. He entered the U.S. Air Force that same year and served his country during the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant before leaving the military in 1956. Nicholas returned to his studies and graduated in 1961 from the American University. He was the founder and owner of the BCE Corporation in Rockville, MD and received numerous professional achievement awards throughout his career. Nicholas was a member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC and the American Legion. He became a Scottish Rite Mason in 1991. Nicholas enjoyed sports and was a particular fan of the Orioles and Redskins. One of his greatest joys though was watching his grandchildren grow up. In addition to his parents, Nicholas was preceded in death by his sisters, Stella Velis and Doris McCawley; brother-in-law, Thomas Kallis and sister-in-law, Patricia Diamondidis. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elaine Kallis Vassos; two children, John Nicholas (Joan) Vassos of Potomac, MD and Katina P. Vassos of Washington, DC; four grandchildren, Nicholas, Erica, Allison and Luke Vassos; two brothers-in-law, George (Jane) Kallis and Nicholas (Jody) Kallis; and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 7 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. Nicholas’ funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 8 at Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis. Interment will be at St. Demetrius Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101. Online condolences and tributes may be offered by visiting the link in the left column.