Nicholas "Niko" James Koushiafes

Nicholas (“Niko”) James Koushiafes
November 18, 1939 – May 31, 2025

Nicholas (“Niko”) James Koushiafes, born on November 18, 1939 of Whiting, Indiana – after a fulfilling 85 years of life – left this existence and embarked on the journey to everlasting peace on May 31, 2025.

Survived by his former wife and live-in companion, Bess Koushiafes; loving daughter, Carrie (late Juan) Morales; son, James Koushiafes; and grandchildren, Victoria (Tyler) Blink, Alexis Morales (Daniel Jacobsen), and Kyle (and great-grandchild, Kegan) Koushiafes; sister, Helen (late Samuel) Salatas; and numerous extended family members and friends, especially dearest cousin Pierre Koushiafes of South Miami, Florida.

Preceded in death by his parents, beloved Godfather, brother, and baby sister.

As a young man, he was a state wrestler at George Rogers Clark High School in Whiting and enjoyed playing tennis in his free time. He went on to study accounting at Indiana University Northwest where he embraced his passion for learning.

Niko was the broker and owner of Action Realty for over 30 years. He held many patents, trademarks, and copyrights. One of his greatest achievements was as a private research author, publishing a scholarly book, Gods of the Universe, in which he revealed a major historical discovery – the shape of the vessel commonly referred to as Noah’s Ark in a high-tech hexagon – among other discoveries. Niko was inventive and original, always looking for the next project he could build an innovative solution for.

As much as Niko enjoyed entrepreneurial and intellectual activities, more than anything, Niko cherished being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Niko was always eager to and passionate in sharing his fatherly advice, quoting Greek proverbs to his children each day. Niko was thoughtful and deliberate in always ensuring that the family was well and healthy, for when learning that a family member might be sick, he would often call to check in and ask, “How is the patient?!” This question would usually be followed by some conversation leading to the final question: “Well, what are the plans for the weekend?” “Grandpa Niko” consistently looked forward to family barbecues and holiday gatherings to exchange stories and laughs while Fleetwood Mac and Elton John rocked in the background. Enjoying family time over a piece of spanakopita was always a plus. Niko took his role of being a grandfather and great-grandfather very seriously, and his creativity, laughter, stories, and love will forever be remembered and missed.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Road), Highland, IN 46322, with funeral services to follow. Private interment to follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Gary, IN.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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