Nick James Fisfis

We announce with deep sadness that on March 20, 2025, our dearest Baba, Papou, and Nono, Nicholas James Fisfis, passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife, Kathy.

Born on October 30, 1936, in Monessen, Pennsylvania, Nick was the son of Dimitrios and Anna, immigrants from the Greek island of Chios, and brother of Ann D. Fisfis. His father was a World War I U.S. Army veteran who later owned a restaurant in Monessen, one of Nick’s first jobs as a young man.

On Good Friday, 1965, Nick met the enduring love of his life, Kathy [Loizos] Fisfis, and in 1966 they married at St. Spyridon in Monessen. They moved to Delaware where they raised their two children before settling near Philadelphia. Together, Nick and Kathy lived, loved, raised children and grandchildren, and traveled the world for nearly 59 years. Nick always referred to Kathy as “my Bride.” She was at his side until the final moment of his life.

We celebrate Nick’s life of service and generosity. He was a U.S. Army veteran, served four Governors, and as Administrator to Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court, before becoming a successful restaurateur. His two “Captain John’s” family restaurants were iconic establishments in Dover and Newark, Delaware. Loyal customers remembered Nick roaming table to table, having fun and making diners —even complete strangers—laugh aloud, through his quick-witted humor and empathy. His business partnership, “Atlantic Coast Dining,” grew to own 13 TGI Fridays across the East Coast.

Nick was proud of his Hellenic roots and traveled to Greece many times. He stayed in touch with his extended family in Greece and remained dedicated to St. Luke church and its community, whose members he considered family.

Nick blessed our lives as a loving father, godfather, and grandfather with a strong, generous heart. We all remember his gregarious storytelling that could leave dinner guests in tears of laughter. His enduring legacy is his unconditional love, humor, and generosity. May his memory be eternal.

Nick is survived by his beloved wife Kathy, his children, James and Anne Nicole, two grandchildren, Nicholas Jai (9) and Suria Katina (6), goddaughter and daughter-in-law, Sukhjit (Dale) Fisfis, son-in-law Paul Lukowicz, sister-in-law Rania Harris and Family, and his extended California and St Luke families.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 35 N Malin Road in Broomall, PA. His funeral service will be at 11:00 am. Interment follows at West Laurel Hill cemetery on Belmont Avenue in Bala Cynwyd.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to For Those In Need or the Endowment Fund, St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church.

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