Obituary of Niki Leonardatos

Niki Leonardatos passed away on May 21, 2022 at the age of 81 in New York, NY.  She was born on September 17, 1940 in the village of Svoronata on the island of Cephalonia, Greece.  She is survived by her daughter, Irene and her husband (Mark), her son, Harry and his wife (Kristina), and her two grandchildren, Michael and Nicole.  Niki married her husband, Spiros, in 1961, and then came to New York where she resided ever since.  Niki survived both the Italian and German occupation of Cephalonia during World War II, the Greek Civil War, and a catastrophic earthquake that destroyed most homes on the island, including her own.  Although Niki had no formal education (all the schools were destroyed on the island during the War), Niki and Spiros sacrificed to send their children to the Greek Cathedral School since they believed in education.  When Spiros passed away, Niki moved to Brooklyn and helped raise her grandchildren with whom she enjoyed spending much time.  On December 22, 2015, Niki was hit by car and suffered severe brain trauma.  Since then, she has been bed-ridden and unable to enjoy the special events that her family celebrated.  On behalf of Niki, we would like to thank all the doctors, nursing staff, and health care workers that kept her comfortable these past seven years.  We are grateful for their care.

In lieu of flowers, our family would like you to consider contributing to a charity that best represents Niki’s values, Fresh Youth Initiatives in New York, NY.  Contributions can be made HERE.  Please leave a note in the comment box: “In memory of Niki Leonardatos.” 

Niki will be buried at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, NJ where she will be joining her husband in eternal peace.