Nicholas E. Avtges of Watertown, MA passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025. He was 93.
Beloved husband of the late Marion (Moskos). Devoted Father of Suzanne M. Avtges and her husband Robert R. Plourde, Nicholas E. Avtges , Jr. and his wife Kathleen, Christopher J. Avtges and his wife Tabetha and the late Michael E. Avtges. Loving Papou of Nicholas E. Avtges, III and fiance Alexa Girard and Sydney E. Avtges, Thomas C. Avtges and Hunter M. Avtges. Loving Brother of Helen A. Bougoulas and the late Theresa Souris and the late Messina Taleas and brother-in-law to Priscilla Moskos. He was survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends as well as his granddogs Bella and Colby Jack.
He met his sweetheart, Marion, at a family Christmas party and a year later she asked Nick “when are we getting married?” They started their family in Watertown, raising a daughter and 3 sons. He loved his four grandchildren – the ones who called him Papou. Nick and Marion were married for 63 years before she passed away in 2022. Nick grew up in Watertown attending the Hosmer Grammar School and is a 1950 graduate of Watertown High School. After High School he left Watertown to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. At Tech he earned his degree in Civil Engineering and began a 35 year career at the Army Corps of Engineers in Waltham. Later, he earned his Masters degree in Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston. Working for the U.S. Department of Defense earned him the loving nickname DOD – Dear Old Dad. He was one in a million.
Nick prided himself in the fact that he had one wife, one job, one house and one beautiful family. He owed his success and happiness in his life to one four letter word L-O-V-E. His love extended well beyond his family. He was a faithful and lifelong member of Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church in Watertown where he served many years on the Parish Council in multiple roles including President and Treasurer. A true Townie, he was a Coach for Watertown Babe Ruth, mentoring many Watertown youth who to this day call him Coach. He was an avid cribbage player until the end, he leaves us with a 29 hand in his pocket.
Nick was a long time New England Patriots fan and season ticket holder since 1960. He watched the then Boston Patriots play at BU and Harvard Stadiums as well as Fenway Park. His love for his sweetheart gained him notoriety when at the age of 88 he was lifted up in a bucket truck three floors to visit his love who was residing in a nursing home. The facility was closed due to COVID and he could no longer visit her in person. He became known as The Bucket Man with Operation Lift Papou. When faced with adversity Nick was the cornerstone of the family tempering strength with humor. His life is one that should be admired and emulated.
Nick fell asleep with the Lord peacefully surrounded by family. He left his home the way he always wanted – “feet first.” The family would like to extend their love and appreciation to the staff and caregivers at the Good Shepherd Hospice Care in Newton – they are all angels.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at the Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church, 25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA at 10:00 AM, followed by burial in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown, MA. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 from 5PM to 8 PM and Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 9-10 AM also at the Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Michael E Avtges Memorial Fund, 3 Mather Drive, Wareham, MA 02571. For online guestbook please visit www.faggas.com
Faggas Funeral Home, Watertown, MA