Nikolaos Kourinos

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Nikolaos Michael Kourinos, 75, born September 19, 1945, in Kalo Horio on the island of Crete in Greece, fell asleep in the Lord Sunday, January 3, 2021 in Belleville, Illinois.

After attending technical high school in mechanics and metal trades, Nikolaos began his life’s journey as an apprentice engineer in the Greek Merchant Marine.  He sailed on cargo ships and oil tankers traveling between ports from Canada to South America.  He resided in New York City after coming to the United States, where he met and married his wife.  Nikolaos attended HVAC school and after graduating he began work on commercial heating and cooling installations as a metal trades journeyman for New York Steamfitters Local 638.  After his children were born, he relocated his family to Belleville, Illinois to be closer to his wife’s family.  He became a member of St. Louis Construction Laborers Local 42 and worked for several large construction firms including Fred Weber, Alberici Corporation, and Don C. Musick Construction.

After retiring he spent his time enjoying his grandchildren and his two favorite hobbies: cooking and gardening.  He had the world’s greenest thumb because he could make any plant or tree grow and produce.

He and his wife attended services at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Swansea, Illinois, as well as St. Peter’s Cathedral in Belleville, Illinois. They often enjoyed spending time at The Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois.

Nikolaos was preceded in death by his parents, Michael N. and Milias, nee Klontzas, Kourinos; by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Cletus M. and Louise A., nee Fellner, Koesterer; and by his brother-in-law, Andreas Kapetanos.

He is survived by his wife, Jane A Kourinos, nee Koesterer;  his sons, Michael N. (Stacy) Kourinos, and Peter A. (Amanda) Kourinos; three grandchildren, Abby, Samantha, and George;  a sister, Maria Kapetanos;  two sisters-in-law, Carol R. (James) Wright, and Myra L. (Jesse) Wottowa; nephews, Dimitri Kapetanos, Brian and Joseph Wottowa, and James and David Wright, and nieces, Aimalia and Athanasia Kapetanos, Eileen Kanoski, and their families.

Although he loved flowers, the family urges you to make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in lieu of flowers as a memorial for Nick or to any of the above mentioned churches.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  A private visitation will be held Thursday, January 7, 2021, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Private funeral services will be held Friday, January 8, 2021, at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Swansea, IL.

Private family burial will be held.

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13 Comments on Nikolaos Kourinos

Ryan Bretsch said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 8:58 PM

Katie passed on this news to me this evening and I am incredibly saddened. The greek marinade Mr. K gave me is one of my most requested recipes and it remains my secret. But the credit is always given to Mr. K, even today and with so many people. I would have LOVED to have had even one visit with him on my return to St. Louis. His laugh, his sense of humor and his outlook on life were all infectious and tremendous. He singlehandedly made me fall in love with Greece and its people. His life was a blessing and source of entertainment for all his warm presence touched. I will miss him enormously. He was a major positive influence on my childhood and created numerous memories for me all on his own. We are all better in this life because of his walk here. God bless and deepest condolences.

  • St. Louis
  • MO
Jim and Carol Wright said : Guest Report Jan 08, 2021 at 12:48 PM

Dear Janie, Mike, and Pete: Heaven is a happier place now that Nick is in his heavenly home! He was always a joy to be around at the family gatherings we shared all these years. He was a special brother-in-law and will be remembered in our prayers always. God bless!

  • Murfreesboro
  • TN
Susan Jones said : Guest Report Jan 08, 2021 at 10:59 AM

Jane and family, I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May beautiful memories bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. God's Blessings!! Sue Jones

  • Belleville
  • IL
Steve Stoodley said : Guest Report Jan 08, 2021 at 10:58 AM

Dear Jane. My deepest sympathy for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.

  • Makanda
  • IL
Linda Ballowe said : Guest Report Jan 07, 2021 at 5:53 PM

Mike and Stacey my deepest sympathy and prayers on the loss of Mike's father. Looking forward to summer and neighbors getting together again.

  • St. Louis
  • MO
Jim Wright said : Guest Report Jan 06, 2021 at 1:54 PM

Jane, Michael, and Peter, under any other circumstances I'd be making the trip hope to pay my respects to you all in person, but I just had my own Covid diagnosis late last month, and my health isn't quite good enough yet to make the trip home. Some of my fondest memories of Nick were of him cooking and entertaining at the house, I don't remember a moment where he wasn't telling stories or entertaining those around him. Even at the family BBQs that I hosted a number of summers, it was always a lot of fun having Nick there when y'all could make it. Everyone that knew Nick will have an emptiness inside with his passing, but at the same time they will also have a shining beacon representing the love, joy, and humor that he brought to so many lives. Cherish that light, and remember those good times.

  • Round Rock
  • Tx
Jason Moline said : Guest Report Jan 06, 2021 at 12:46 PM

My deepest condolences to the Kourinos family. I had always hoped to get back to enjoy another greek dinner with Nick. He was always happy and welcoming. Jason Moline and family.

  • Mill Valley
  • CA
Jim Dunn said : Guest Report Jan 06, 2021 at 12:17 PM

Dear Mike-- I was real sorry to read that your Dad passed away. I know you can never get ready for something like that. I remember how difficult it was for me. You certainly have my deepest sympathies. I hope to see you again next summer. Sincerely, Jim Dunn

  • Chesterfield
  • MO
Janey McKillip said : Guest Report Jan 05, 2021 at 9:03 PM

Jane: Pat and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. I had the pleasure of meeting you and Nick at the gym and I always looked forward to our conversations. During my neighborhood walks I always hoped he would be out in the yard so I would get the chance to talk to him. He was such a nice man and a true patriot. The neighborhood won't be quite the same. God be with you.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
JAMES W. TIMPER said : Guest Report Jan 05, 2021 at 7:56 PM

With deepest condolences and prayers. Nick was a great man.

  • BELLEVILLE
  • Illinois
George and Maria Hatzadony said : Guest Report Jan 05, 2021 at 5:02 PM

Deepest sympathy to your family Mike and Stacy, may his memory be eternal and may you have long life to remember him

  • Swansea
  • Il
Diane Knaus said : Guest Report Jan 05, 2021 at 12:30 PM

Dear Jane and family, Bob and I offer our deepest sympathy with the passing of our cheery neighbor, Nick. We loved every conversation we had with him and always welcomed the gardening advice and samples he gave. He will be greatly missed in the neighborhood. Keeping you in my prayers, Diane and Bob Knaus

  • Belleville
  • IL
Mike and Penny Mandis said : Guest Report Jan 05, 2021 at 12:26 PM

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Nick, he was always smiling and will be missed. Our condolences to his family.

  • O FALLON
  • Illinois

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