John S. Nicas,48, of 41 Franklin St., died Monday, Dec. 26 at St.
Vincent Hospital in Worcester after being stricken ill at home.
He leaves three sons Alexander J. Nicas of New York City, Charles E. Nicas
of Washington, D.C. and John "Jack" S. Nicas, II of Dudley, his father
Stanley J. Nicas, a brother James S. Nicas and his wife Denise all of
Leicester, a sister Evangeline H. Nicas of Spencer, his soul mate Patricia
A. LaChance with whom he lived, two nieces Nicole M. Nicas Rovner and her
husband Joshua of Sommerville and Laurier E. Nicas of Leicester. His mother
Helen (Kotseas) Nicas died in July 2004.
Born in Worcester, he graduated from Worcester Academy in 1975 and the
Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. in 1977. After graduation
he was awarded a fellowship to teach at the C.I.A. Dade County Culinary
School in Fla. He then became a culinary instructor at Johnson & Wales
University in Providence, R.I.
John worked for many years with his family at their restaurant, "The Castle"
in Leicester.
He was a talented and gifted chef who was awarded numerous medals, trophies
and accolades for his achievements. John joined the U.S. Culinary Olympic
Team twice: first in 1976 as an apprentice, and again in 1988 when he was
warded the Grand Prize as well as Silver and Bronze Medals. In 1987, John
won the Governor's Massachusetts Seafood Challenge. He was the President of
the Les Amis d'Escoffier Society Joseph Donon Chapter and was a member of
the Confrerie de la Chaine De Rotisseurs, the American Culinary Federation,
the Honorable Order of the Golden Toque and the American Academy of Chefs.
John was also a member of Saint Spyridon's Greek Orthodox Cathedral in
Worcester.
John's passion in life was for his family, he was extremely proud of his
three sons and all of their achievements. He was a life-long Red Sox Fan.
John was a kind and sensitive person with a heart of gold. He will be missed
by family and friends alike for all he did and all he was.
A Funeral Service will be held Friday, Dec. 30 at 10 a.m. in Saint
Spyridon's Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell St., Worcester. Burial will
follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours are Thursday, Dec. 29 at
the MORRISON-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester. In lieu of
flowers, contributions may be made to Leicester Youth Soccer, P.O. Box 446,
Rochdale, Ma. 01542.