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Liontas
NICHOLAS A. LIONTAS
May 9, 1928
January 29, 2019
Nick Liontas had a wonderful and exciting life for 90 years. Born of Greek immigrant parents, Athanasios and Eugenia Liontas, May 9, 1928 and departed this world to be reunited with his devoted, loving parents January 29, 2019.
He was a very talented athlete in high school, service sports, and the United States Naval Academy, lettering in several sports and graduating from the Naval Academy in 1952.
Nick was very proud to be an Air Force fighter pilot with the Black Sheep Squadron. He was their top gun for two years and represented the Far East Air Force in the Worldwide Fighter Weapons Meet, winning one event, even though as a lieutenant, he was the youngest participant.
Returning stateside after tours in Korea and Japan, Nick instructed fighter gunnery at Luke AFB and ended up as Chief of Standardization and Evaluation at wing level. One of his proudest accomplishments was evaluating the training required to produce world class fighter pilots.
After 3500 jet hours, Nick was grounded for medical reasons. He then joined his Naval Academy football coach, Ben Martin, and helped produce not only great football teams, but most important, outstanding Air Force officers to serve his beloved country.
Upon retiring from the US Air Force as a Lt Col, Nick had a distinguished career as a Realtor and developer. He served on many boards, including the YMCA, his church, and was Executive Vice President of Peninsula Law University, a college of law in Mountain View, CA. He was a member of the Colorado Springs Country Club for many years. His proudest moments were serving on the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, rising to president of the board in both 1994 and 1995. Nick was instrumental in providing the vision and leadership to embark on building a new shelter to better care for the animals he so dearly loved.
Nick is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara; his son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Robin Liontas; daughter, Eugenia (Gina) Keller; two adopted children, Toni-Leah Lopez and Richard Liontas; and beloved granddaughter, Miriam Liontas.
Funeral services to be held at 10am on Thursday, February 7th at the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel and burial in the Air Force Academy Cemetery. Lunch reception to follow at the Eisenhower Golf Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nick's honor to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region or Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church.
We would like to express our gratitude to the staff at MacKenzie Place for the kindness and care they gave to Nick and our family these many months.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Nick was one of those individuals who immediately lit up the room with his smile and engaging personality. He never knew a stranger and ALWAYS made me feel so special. In keeping with the USNA Class of '52 motto....Nick's presence in our lives will forever have "Tough shoes to fill" Our prayers are with you, Barbara and all the Liontas family.
Suzie Bailey Sterrett
February 10, 2019
Barbara,
We go way, way back to perhaps church at Ft. Carson. I have many fond memories of both you and your husband. May I offer you
and your family my sincere condolences. I will light a candle for all of you.
Sincerely,
Joan Demetriou
February 8, 2019
Suzanne Steeve
February 6, 2019
Ted and I met Barbara and Nick at Colorado Springs Country Club when we first moved here. We struck up a wonderful friendship. Nick was delightful with his stories. He and Barbara have been the best of friends. We send our heart felt condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.
Freda & Ted Thompson
February 5, 2019
Dear Family, My heartfelt condolences. May Gods loving kindness bring you comfort and peace in your time of sorrow. John 6:40
February 3, 2019
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