Nikolaos "Niko" Grafos

Nikolaos “Niko” Grafos modeled the virtues of humility, generosity, kindness, and family, throughout his remarkable life. He was a man who welcomed each day as a gift and every person as a friend. Hard-working and wholehearted, Niko never shied from life's challenges and celebrated its joys. A devoted family man, Niko cherished every moment he shared with those he loved. Whether gathering for a meal, a card game, or cheering on his loved one's endeavors, Niko led with his heart proving a powerful role model for all who were blessed to know him.

The youngest of five children, Niko was born on April 18, 1946, in Sykea, Greece. Niko and his siblings grew up without many material things but had an extraordinarily strong bond and looked after one another with love and care. They learned early on that true wealth lay not in possessions, but in the boundless love of family.

Arriving in the United States in the early 1970s, Niko’s journey was one of perseverance and hard work. As his family began immigrating and settling in Canada and the United States, Niko joined them after serving in the Greek military. With just a few dollars to his name and in search of better opportunities, he found work with family in restaurants in Grand Rapids, MI. He learned the restaurant business and aspired of someday opening his own place. He ended up settling in Kalamazoo, MI where he managed the Maple Hill Mall Coney Island and sometime later also opened a Queen Coney Island on Portage Street. In the mid-1980s, Niko realized his goal of owning his own place and purchased a family restaurant in Comstock, MI called Dotty’s Restaurant. Throughout his years in business, Niko owned and operated Dotty’s Parkview in Richland, built and operated Niko’s Landing Banquet Center, and re-opened Dotty’s as Niko’s Express Restaurant which he managed until his retirement just a few years ago.

A hard worker, Niko led by example and showed us all what a strong work ethic looked like. The people were his favorite part of the restaurants. He treated everyone like family, employees and customers alike. "Papa was the best" as many fondly remember. It wasn't just a job for Niko; it was his life and treasured community and a place to hang out and raise his children. Always remembering his own humble beginnings, Niko led with his heart and was extremely generous, always willing to help those in need.

Without a doubt, family was Niko's greatest joy and priority. His love for his siblings was evident in the daily phone calls to them. He would often call friends and family in Greece while drinking his morning coffee, a testament to the deep connections he maintained. He returned to Greece for years, annually visiting the family homestead. His biggest accomplishment and pride are his three sons. He enjoyed talking about Keith, Dennis, and Michael and was delighted when his grandson was named after him. He loved taking him shopping, attending his sporting events, and cooking for him. He often made a special plate for him on the side, a small gesture that spoke volumes about his love and attention to detail for his family. He was also eagerly anticipating the arrival of his second grandchild, Eleni, who will join us in May of this year.

At home, Niko expertly maintained a fresh vegetable garden, where he also raised fig trees and olives. His passion was to entertain and cook for his family and friends. With great intentionality, he gathered people together, ensuring everyone had a place to go. He hosted Easter and other holiday gatherings, and a simple Sunday meal would easily turn into a large family get-together. His favorite food was lamb chops or fresh-caught fish; and nobody went home without leftovers.

At his leisure, Niko liked passing the time at the casino playing slots or playing cards with friends. Koum-Kan, Greek Gin Rummy, was his favorite game. A fierce competitor, he would get terribly upset when he lost. Niko kept up with the news, watched Greek television stations, and was known to drive around town to find the best deals. He would call his kids excited when he beat a bargain price at a different store…even if by only a few pennies. He enjoyed reminiscing about growing up in Greece, coming from nothing, overcoming adversity, and building a great life for himself and his family.

Clearly, life feels far less certain in the absence of Niko's steadfast companionship and love. May we find much comfort in our many treasured memories and in the honor of carrying his beautiful legacy forward. In each moment we lead with our hearts, confidently face life's challenges, share our gifts and talents with others, gather with loved ones, lovingly prepare a meal, and play a game of cards, we celebrate the countless ways Niko made life better. In this way, we keep his spirit alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Preceding Niko in death are his parents Eugenia and Kyriakos Grafos, and his beloved sister Panagiota (Patricia) Agon. Surviving are his children: Keith Grafos (Savannah), Dennis Grafos, and Michael (Melina) Grafos; grandchildren: Niko Grafos; siblings: Basile Grafos, Maria (John) Petridis, Eleni (Helen) Manolakos; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Celebration Thursday, April 18, from 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900. A Trisagion Service will begin at 7:30 PM. Funeral to be held Friday, April 19, at 2 PM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Kalamazoo with burial at Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock. Visit Niko's webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories and photos and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.