Niki Kokolis, of Williamsburg, died on Feb. 5, 2015, at the age of 72.
Niki was born on March 10, 1942, to Panagiotis Dimitrios Kokolis and Katerina Katsoulis Kokolis.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 53 years, James John Kokolis and their three children, daughter, Katherine (Rina) Kokolis Hagopian and her husband, Michael and sons, John James Kokolis and Peter James Kokolis and his wife, Christina. Niki was a grandmother of six grandchildren, James, Anastasia and Nicole Hagopian and Noelle, Arianna and James Peter Kokolis. Niki is also survived by her sister, Helen Kanelos and nephew, Frank Kanelos, of Williamsburg and her brother and sister-in-law, of Vasiliakion, Greece, Dimitrios P. Kokolis and Danai Kokolis. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and extended family in the United States and Greece.
Niki came to the United States on Aug. 5, 1961, and married the love of her life on Aug. 14, 1961. They started their life together in Hanover, Pennsylvania from 1961 to 1964. Following their time in Hanover, they lived Williamsburg and Charlottesville, and opened the first Aberdeen Barn Steakhouse in Williamsburg in 1969.
In 1970 they moved to Norfolk where they further embarked on their lifelong journey in the restaurant business, opening the Aberdeen Barn in Virginia Beach. In 1976, their desire to be near family and transition into the pizza business brought Niki and her family to Williamsburg, where she was a resident for over 40 years. She and her husband were the proud and successful owners of The Olde Towne Pizza of James-York Plaza from 1976 to 1985 and Jimmy’s Pizza and Pasta from 1985 to 2002.
Niki was the cornerstone of her family. She was the pillar of strength for her family and to those who knew her. Niki’s brilliant smile and beauty will remain in everyone’s hearts.
A memorial honoring her life will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 4900 Mooretown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188. The funeral will held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Niki Kokolis to the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bucktroutfuneralhome.net.
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