Obituary of Nicholas Horeanopoulos

Nicholas A. Horeanopoulos, a World War II veteran, husband and father of 3, passed away after a brief illness, at the V. A. Medical Center in West Roxbury, on Saturday evening, December 31, 2011. The beloved husband of 65 years of Leonie (Charest), he was 87 years old. Nick was born, raised and educated in Manchester, NH. He was the son of the late Anthony N. & Rachel (Paris) Horeanopoulos. After graduation from high school Nick went on to serve his country in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Nick was a radioman/ball turret gunner. His B-17 was shot down during combat and he was a Prisoner of War in Germany for over 22 months. For his service, courage and valor he was the recipient of the Purple Heart as well as the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters. Nick was discharged from the service in 1945 and, in 1946, married Leonie Charest. They lived in Manchester/Bedford, NH and briefly in Presque Isle, ME before settling in Burlington in 1968 with his family. Nick had a successful career as a Plant Engineer at Allied Container (Union Camp, Dedham, MA) from which he retired in 1986. He was previously employed at International Paper, Harrison Abrasives and Waumbec Mills. Nick enjoyed building model planes as a child. As a high school student, his hobby helped citizens and military personnel support the war effort with aircraft identification. He enjoyed taking the family on camping trips when the children were younger. For 20 years after his retirement, Nick and Leonie spent the winter months in Pompano Beach, Florida. Nick led an active and full life. His many interests included gardening, fishing, caning, hunting, reading, doing crossword puzzles and painting. He was a man of devout faith and was an active member of the Presbyterian Church. He was also a frequent visitor to the Burlington Senior Center and participated in the exercise program. Nick was blessed to live a life that spanned over 8 decades. He leaves a legacy of love, faith and family. Nick was the beloved husband for 65 years of Leonie (Charest). He was the loving father of Mark Horeanopoulos & his wife Sherry of Princeton, MA; Jena Day & her husband Willie of Windham, NH and Kyle Horeanopoulos & his wife Cheri of Bradford, MA. Nick was the devoted and proud grandfather of Ali, Leah, Hunter & Paige Horeanopoulos, Kim Barlow and Jon Day. Great-grandfather of Brittany, Elizabeth, Rebekah & Jessica Barlow. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Wednesday, Jan. 4 from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. Memorial Services will be held at the Presbyterian Church, 335 Cambridge St., Burlington on Sat. Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Nick’s name may be made to the Presbyterian Church, 335 Cambridge St., Burlington, MA 01803.