Nicholas Harry Deligianis

Nicholas Harry Deligianis (76) went peacefully to meet the Lord on July 27, 2020 at his beloved home. Nick “The Greek” was born on April 9,1944 to Harry and Nancy (Cottonaro) Deligianis.

Being no stranger to hard work, Nick worked in his father’s hat shop and as a golf caddy in his youth. Nick graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1962 as a standout football player; he received All-American honors and was inducted into the Ashtabula County Football Hall of Fame in 2009. His football career was cut short by a campus accident while at college in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

After his recovery, Nick ventured with two of his life-long friends to the California coast. There, he met his wife Gail (Haslam) and they started their family. During this time, Nick became a professional motorcycle mechanic for AMA Grand National teams. He wrenched for champion riders including Gene Romero, David Aldana, and Kenny Roberts. He traveled the U.S. racing circuit for years and even raced in Europe at times.  His career gave him the opportunity to log untold miles, have countless adventures, and build lasting friendships while following the “Glory Trail”.

In 1976, the call of home brought Nick back to Ashtabula and he settled his family into his childhood home. He continued to work on the road but, after some time, decided to reinvent himself as a pipefitter/welder to be closer to his family. A proud Pipefitter Local Union 120 member, Nick retired in 2010. As a life-long learner, he pursued many interests; there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix and no problem he wasn’t determined enough to solve. He raised cattle and pigs while rebuilding numerous pieces of farm equipment. As an avid fisherman, hunter, winemaker, and gardener, Nick appreciated the beauty and wonder of the world. In recent years, he enjoyed Wednesday night dinners with his family, watching his grandchildren grow, and sharing in their accomplishments. He had a quick wit, always enjoying a good joke or an occasional prank with family and friends. He was an all around sports fan, enjoying a race or an Indians game, but football remained his true love; he was a Buckeye to the core. 

Nick was a loyal and committed husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend; he was always willing to provide help, offer advice, or impart words of wisdom. One of his greatest joys in life was to share a good meal and a glass of wine in the company of those he loved. Possessing  the temperament of his Spartan ancestors, his force could propel him forward or stop you in your tracks. Known for his strength, power, and determination, he was Greek to his very foundation.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gail; brother John Deligianis of Saybrook; sisters Kathy (Danny) Hickey of New York, NY and Sandy Sposito of Willoughby; son Wayne Falcon of Lomita, CA; daughters Gina (Philip) Falcon-Heneghan of Oceanside, CA, Nancy Deligianis (Roger Bailey) of Austinburg, and Nicole Deligianis (Tim Parker) of Saybrook; 15 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; as well as many nephews, nieces, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law Betty and Roy Bean; sister-in-law Cis (Lampela) Deligianis; brother-in-law Alan Sposito; daughter-in-law Katherine Falcon; and many good dogs.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Life will take place when it is safe to gather. If you would like to honor Nick’s life, please make your memorial contributions to Gail L. Deligianis in order to establish a scholarship in his name through the Ashtabula County Touchdown Club; ℅ Fleming & Billman Funeral Home, 526 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula, OH 44004.

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