Nicholas M. Zallas, passed away on December 26, 2025 surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Maria N. (Aftosmes) Zallas. Devoted father of Dr. Alexis Zallas and her husband Demetri Papathanasiou. Brother of Elizabeth Mangini.Loving brother in law of Cathy Chipouras and her husband John. Also survived by one niece, one nephew and many relatives and friends

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10:00AM at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox church,
17 Meriam St., Lexington, MA. Please go directly to church.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2025 at Faggas Funeral Home, 551 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA
from 4PM to 8PM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. You may directly give through this link https://app.onechurchsoftware.com/stnicholaslex/egiving under "Memorial Donation" with the memo line "Nicholas Zallas" or through the mail.

Burial in Westview Cemetery, Lexington, MA.

Nick was born and raised in Webster, Massachusetts as a 2nd generation Greek in America. Despite nearly failing out of Wentworth his first semester (too many teenagers getting themselves in trouble), he managed to ultimately obtain Associates, 2 Bachelors, and 2 Masters degrees from Wentworth and UMass Lowell.

At 15 years old, he took his first trip to Greece knowing only 2 phrases. His vocabulary and passion for "all things Greek" subsequently skyrocketed as he launched a 40+ year career singing in Greek, Armenian, and Vlach while playing the bouzouki. He was a member of the Bouzouki Fantasy and leader of the Orpheus Orchestra and Odyssey Orchestra, playing countless dinner dances, weddings, baptisms, and parties. He even recorded a CD of Vlach music with the help of his Aunt Ida, who provided dialect coaching and translations. He also joined a Greek and Armenian dance group. As if he wasn't fluent enough in Greek, he completed the Rosetta Stone course and was a top Duo Lingo competitor. Nick, Maria, and Alexis traveled all over Greece including Veroia, Macedonia, Greece and Laka Souli, Epirus where his family originated. Due to his northern origins, he often hoped his ancestors were foot soldiers in Alexander the Great's Army. Over the years, Nick took every opportunity to bask in the beauty of his culture - trips to different museums, studying Ancient Greek history/military tactics, collecting instruments and Greek folk items.

Despite his deep Greek roots, he honored his American upbringing proudly serving in both active duty and reservist capacities in the Army National Guard and Air Force for 40 years through Hanscom AFB. During his career he was a Green Beret (communications and small weapons), Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Hanscom Wing Commander, Anti-terrorism officer, and military police, proudly retiring as a full Colonel. He was active in the American Legion George K. Menichios Post. His devotion to America didn't stop there. Nick became a reenactor, helping to teach locals and tourists about the American Revolution. He even learned to sew his own reenacting clothing.

He was immensely proud of his daughter Alexis, describing her as the greatest accomplishment of his life; you couldn't have a conversation with Nick and not learn about Alexis. As Nick's "carbon copy," they enjoyed activities together such as singing in Greek, reenacting, watching old movies, listening to old radio shows, and more. He passed on his military leadership knowledge and discipline to Alexis giving her drive, strength, confidence, and determination. She credits her speaking and writing skills to many hours spent writing papers together. When Alexis met Demetri, Nick was overjoyed to gain a son who surpassed his expectations in a spouse. Demetri and Nick shared a passion for the military and home projects. Given both of Alexis' grandfathers and Nick were Masons, it was natural that Nick encouraged Demetri to become one as well. Nick was a past Master of the Rabboni Lodge in Westwood. He was also a member of the General Henry Knox (military) Masonic lodge, Scottish Rite, Shriners, and York Rite.

Nick's story would not be complete without mentioning his beautiful wife. Maria and Nick met at a baptism - he was the cute musician behind the bar that she asked her father to introduce her to. For 45 years, she was always by his side for every military event, dancing to his live Greek music all night long, joining reenacting (despite hating the clothing), helping out at Masonic events, and cooking for him. He loved food and they often shared recipes back and forth that Maria would then cook for him.

Nick was always learning or researching something new - shaving cream, bourbon, tequilla, plants, tobacco, teas, soap, and more. He was a social butterfly, the hit of the party, and a great story teller. He had a humorous side despite his serious military demeanor. From near death experiences in his youth (his own doing) to crazy night club stories while playing Greek music, Nick always knew how to capture a crowd and leave them laughing hysterically.

To learn more about Nick's tremendous life, please listen to this Veteran's Oral History Project through the Morse Institute Library in Natick, MA. https://natickveterans.com/2021/08/06/nicholas-m-zallas/.