Nikolaos Georgatos
June 8, 1947 – September 29, 2026
Nikolaos Georgatos, beloved husband, father, Papou, brother, and friend, passed away on September 29, 2026, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on June 8, 1947, in Kefalonia, Greece, where he grew up surrounded by his parents, brothers, and sisters. His early years in Greece shaped the values that would guide him throughout his entire life: hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, and, above all, family.
As a young man, Nick came to the United States carrying little more than hope for a better future. He arrived in America with hardly any money and knowing only a little English. Determined to build a life for himself and his future family, he found work as a dishwasher at a diner on Long Island, New York.
It was there that his life changed in more ways than one. He met Sherry, a waitress at the same diner. The two fell in love and began building their life together. They worked hard, saved their money, and eventually took a leap of faith by opening a diner, The Royal Diner, with his family. Their hard work and determination led them to their next venture, The Seabreeze Restaurant, which they owned and operated for nearly 12 years.
For Nick, work was never simply about making a living. It was about creating a better life for the family that he loved. He worked long hours and sacrificed much because he wanted his children to have opportunities he never had growing up.
After nearly 25 years in the restaurant business, Nick finally retired. But retirement did not suit a man as active and hardworking as him. Before long, he learned how to make bagels and, once again alongside his brother, opened Bagel Brothers. For another 9 years, Nick poured his energy and dedication into his work before finally retiring for good.
Eventually, Nick and Sherry moved to Florida, where they enjoyed a quieter chapter of their lives together.
Nick and Sherry were blessed with three children, Billy, Dennis, and Alicia. Everything Nick did was ultimately for his family. He wanted his children to understand the value of earning what they worked for, pushing themselves to achieve their goals, and never giving up when life became difficult.
His greatest joy, however, came through his grandchildren: Maia, Lily, Nicholas, Preston, Isabella, and Skyler. To them, he was Papou, and they were his world. He loved each of them deeply and cherished the time he spent with them. His grandchildren will forever carry the lessons, love, and memories he gave them.
Nick was an active man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, which included going for walks, riding his bike, playing golf, and spending time with the people he loved. He found joy in being with his family and in staying active.
His legacy is not measured by the businesses he built or the years he spent working. His greatest legacy is the family he built and the values he passed down.
Nick leaves behind a family who will forever be grateful for the life he gave them, the sacrifices he made for them, and the love he showed them.
He gave his family everything.
And in the end, his family was everything to him.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Nick’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Alzheimer’s Association:
A Chapel Service will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 11:30 am at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home & Cemetery at 4750 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082.
