Nick T. Kossaras
December 1, 1933 – August 6, 2025
It is with sadness yet with hope in the Resurrection that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announces the passing of Mr. Nick Kossaras, age 91, of Fresno, California. Nick found joy in the simplest things in life, and had a heart that gave unconditionally. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as a dear friend to many, and a man who truly loved to share life with others.
“Nick is the father and benefactor of our beloved Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, California, donating the land upon which the Ranch would be established in 1979, as well as the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring. We are forever grateful to him for this generous gift which will carry his legacy for generations to come,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “And now 46 years later with thousands of lives transformed through their experiences at the Ranch and Monastery, we honor Nick’s memory and pray for his eternal repose in the Lord’s arms.”
The Metropolis honored Nick at the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in 2019, along with fellow founder Rev. Fr. John Bakas. Nick was surrounded by his family and hundreds of people at that event, all of whom demonstrated their respect and gratitude towards him for the vision and generosity he shared in making the Ranch a reality. How fitting that his final resting place will be in those same hills where he will keep watch over the beloved Ranch and will be remembered daily in prayer.
Nick will be remembered for his generosity to many philanthropic causes both within the Greek Orthodox Church and the greater Christian community. He was a man of deep faith and spreading the Gospel of the Lord and supporting outreach programs that carried the message of God’s love was a priority for him.
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos will preside at the funeral service on Tuesday, August 12 at 11:00 a.m. at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring in Dunlap, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made in Nick’s memory to St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
May his memory be eternal!
Obituary
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28–30
Nick T. Kossaras — beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather— passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at the age of 91 in Fresno, California.
Born on December 1, 1933, in Flint, Michigan, to Harry and Joanne Kossaras, Nick was raised alongside his siblings Gus and Anne, both of blessed memory, and George. At the age of eight, he began shining shoes — the first step in a lifetime of hard work. Nick never stopped working, carrying that same dedication and perseverance throughout every chapter of his life.
Faith was the cornerstone of Nick’s life. In 1979, Metropolitan Anthony and Father John Bakas of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco approached him about donating property for a proposed retreat center. Nick, who owned land in Dunlap, California, graciously gifted the property that would become St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center and the Holy Monastery of the Theotokos, the Lifegiving Spring. This act of generosity reflected his deep devotion to his faith and his desire to create a lasting place of worship, learning, and spiritual renewal.
Throughout his life, Nick enjoyed sunbathing, swimming, golfing, watching sports, and traveling, but most of all, he treasured time spent with his family. He was happiest in a room filled with those he loved — and a bowl of vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup, close at hand.
Nick is preceded in death by his daughters, Kimberly and Kristine. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Carmalee, whom he loved beyond words; his children Greg (Debra), Todd, Jill, Nici, and Stephanie (Jim); as well as 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Monastery of the Theotokos, the Lifegiving Spring, 38532 Dunlap Road, Dunlap, CA 93621. All are welcome to join in honoring and celebrating his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made in Nick’s memory to St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.