Nicholas Lardas, 87, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, in North Port, Florida. Born on May 24, 1937, in Rochester, New York, Nicholas grew up and spent most of his life in Brooklyn, a place he held deeply in his heart. His life was defined by his unwavering commitment to family, his strong work ethic, and his love for meaningful conversations.

Nicholas attended Brooklyn College for two years before joining his family’s restaurant business. After his father’s passing, he took over the restaurant and dedicated himself to its success. Later, Nicholas worked several other jobs before finding a lasting career at Group Health Incorporated, where he worked as a billing clerk until his retirement.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Nicholas enlisted on September 1, 1961, and served in Greece and Germany, where he rose to the rank of SP4 E4. After transferring to the reserves in 1963, he completed his military service in 1967.

Nicholas found joy in life's simple pleasures, including bike riding, fishing, reading, and listening to talk radio. His faith played an important role in his life, and he took great pleasure in engaging in deep religious and philosophical discussions. While he attended church services on special holidays, it was his thoughtful reflections and his moral compass that truly guided his spiritual journey. He held a deep sense of community and always treated others with kindness, humility, and respect—judging no one, but instead offering compassion and understanding to all.

Nicholas was especially devoted to his family. He cherished every moment spent with his daughter, Theresa, and his beloved grandson, David. Whether it was sharing stories, enjoying family outings, gatherings with friends or simply spending quiet time together, these moments were some of his most treasured.

Nicholas is survived by his loving wife, Mina Lardas; his daughter, Theresa Barbee, and her husband, David Conklin; his grandson, David Chin, and his wife, Jeannie VanDover; his younger brother, Stanley Lardas, and his wife, Patricia Lardas. He also shared a lifelong bond with his best childhood friend, Nick Titakis, and his wife, Kathy Titakis. He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Theresa Lardas, as well as his sister, Maria Vittas, and her husband, James Vittas.

A funeral service will be held on March 10, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Farley Funeral Home, located at 5600 S Biscayne Dr., North Port, Florida, 34287. A supper will follow the service at 4465 Midland St., North Port.

Nicholas will be lovingly remembered for his kindness, humor, honesty, and intelligence. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, especially those who had the privilege of sharing in his life and love for his family.