RODIS, Nicholas "Nick" "Coach" Of Needham and Dennisport. Suddenly called to God October 7, 2011. Surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Eve (Karafotis) Rodis for 63 years. Devoted father of Chris N. Rodis of Waltham and his late wife Donna, Peter N. Rodis and his wife Karen of Framigham, Kristine P. Cauti and her husband Douglas of Needham. Loving grandfather of Adam, Timothy, Kevin and Mary Katherine Rodis and Nichole Cauti. Great-grandfather of Brianna and Alexis Rodis.
Brother of the late Deno and Alec Rodis. Also survived by several nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters in law.
Nicholas was the son of the late Christos and Efithia Rodis who immigrated from Greece.
Humble Nick Rodis had professional accomplishments too numerous to mention. He has been the role model for thousands of college students throughout his lifetime here and abroad.
Late graduate of Nashua High School 1941, Lawrence Academy 1942, Harvard University 1949, and American International College 1951.
Army Air Corps 1943 -1945. In 1944 3rd Air Force Football Team as offensive guard. In 1944 Blue-Gray All Star Game in Montgomery AL.
1946 entered Harvard University. Centerfield in baseball and offensive and defensive line in football. He received All-American honorable mention in both sports.
In 1948 he played in the Blue Gray All Star Game and has the distinction of being the only player only to play twice represented by two Universities. Until 1954 Nick was the head coach of multiple sports at AIC.
University of Connecticut and until 1962 coached freshman football, baseball, and basketball.
1962 appointed as Special Assistant for Athletic Programs for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the State Department in Washington, DC.
Nick was the key person in getting the U.S. involved with the internationally acclaimed World University Games - as the Executive Director of the United States Collegiate Sports Council. Past President of the American Council of International Sports 1967-1973. Until the mid 1990’s Nick made over 200 sports exchanges with foreign countries possible. He was also on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
1967 Nick became Athletic Director of Brandeis University until 1984 - then until 1997 Nick was Special Assistant to the President for athletic development.
Nick is the past president of many prestigious athletic associations including the U.S. Collegiate Sports Council, The New England Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Greater Boston Conference, and was the Eastern N.C.A.A. He served on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Nick was humbly inducted into 4 Hall of Fames
Nashua High School, National Association of Director of Athletics, Brandeis University, AHEPA, and in 2010 was named recipient of the ECAC James Lynah Distinguished Service Award.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home 477 Washington St. (RT. 16) WELLESLEY Tuesday at 10AM. Funeral Service at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 57 Brown St. Weston at 11AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Monday from 3-7PM. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Nick’s memory to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 57 Brown St. Weston, MA 02493.