Nick Rettos

Our beloved father Nick passed away at home with his family surrounded by Love. Nick was born in Yorkville, Ohio, where immigrants from many countries migrated in the early 1900s. Son of Michael and Mary Rettos from Chios, Greece, brother to his siblings, Stella Pappas, George Rettos, and John Rettos. Survived by his children, Nicholas Rettos (Ann), Diane Rettos (John Edgar), and Jeanne Rettos Logan (Thomas Logan). Grandchildren, Maria (Nic) and Manny (Beth), Michael and Kristina, Adam Edgar (Stephanie) Great-grandchildren, Silas, Luke, Abraham, Aiden, Lola, Hari, Alex, and Finley. Growing up, Nick played football and baseball. Later, he would continue to play fast-pitch ball with his company, North American Rockwell. His love for Art started at a very young age but was on hold while he served in the US Navy during World War II, from 1944 to 1946. He was a Gunner's Mate on the battleship USS Fullam in the Pacific. His ship was part of the task force that supported the Iwo Jima attacks and the raising of the American Flag on February 23, 1945. Our father was a humble man, as many from this generation were, the unspoken heroes. After the war, he attended Miami University in Ohio for 2 years, then discovered he wanted to pursue his interest in art. He moved to New York to attend 2 years of art school, fine-tuning his passion for technical drawing. While living in New York, he enjoyed the jazz scene and told stories of watching Ella Fitzgerald and Louie Armstrong in the clubs. Music was always a part of his life and heritage. We have sweet memories of him dancing to Zorba the Greek. After graduating, he started his career with North American Rockwell and moved to Columbus, Ohio. Nick’s graphic illustrations included many drawings for the Department of Defense, military aircraft, and bombers. He worked closely with the engineers at Rockwell to refine and create the images that were displayed at the Pentagon and have been used for military training for our troops. While at Rockwell, he met the love of his life, Imogene, whom he married and spent the next 69 years with. Nick and Imo became quite the team, raising a family in Columbus, Ohio. They enjoyed the arts of Columbus with season tickets to The Kenley Players, The Columbus Symphony, and, of course, The Ohio State Football Games. They traveled to Marco Island for many holidays, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Lake Tahoe, and to Greece. He was so excited to finally go to Chios, where his parents were from. We cherish these memories with our father, and he will always stay close to our hearts. Nick was a kind man with a warm smile and would draw people in with his honesty and integrity. He loved animals as we had many dogs, cats, hamsters, and rabbits. But his favorite white shepherd, Sadie, was his best friend after retiring. Nick and Imogene decided to head West to explore a new adventure in their Retirement years. After landing in St George, Utah, where they spent the next 25 years, they met many new friends and enjoyed having family and friends visit from Ohio. The desert became the new backdrop for his beautiful art. His Christmas card designs included his signature road runner, which we all looked forward to receiving during the Holidays. He also made his wonderful koularakia cookies, which were his mother's family recipe. Nick had a few of his Greek specialties published in a Columbus cookbook. Nick’s meatballs and stew. But probably the most famous, steaks seasoned with the savory Greek spices and red wine. Nick was in his happy place with a cigar and a martini, grilling at dusk. He loved his family more than anything. We were truly blessed to have him in our lives for so long and He is missed dearly. He touched so many friends and family, and filled our hearts with his gentle, pure approach to Life. God Speed Papa, We love you, S’agapo May there be Ouzo and Greek Dancing on your Cloud A Celebration of Life will be announced.

Nick Rettos

January 2, 1926 - July 19, 2025