"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 at stnicholasranch.org/donate, or St. Jude
Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org