Nicholas Platon Roussos, a New York City native, was born in July 1925, the fifth child of Catherine (Vournas) and George Roussos who were Greek immigrants from the Peloponnesus. He died at his home in Madison, CT, Thursday, June 25, 2021, aged 95.
His wife Patricia, (Lersner) pre-deceased him in 2004, as well as his older brothers John, Christos, his sister Helen and his youngest brother, Aristotle, as well as his grandson, Nicholas Roussos, his namesake. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Angela, widow of brother John.
Plato served three memorable and formative years in the United States Navy during WWII, signing up prior to his High School graduation from Grover Cleveland High School at age 17. The Navy sent him to the University of South Carolina to receive training. He served aboard ship in Brazil as editor of the ship’s newspaper and co-authored, “Battle Stations! You’re Navy in Action.”
After the war, Plato attended CCNY where he met his future wife, Patricia Joan Lersner and were married for 56 years. Pat and Plato had three children, George (Deborah), John (Deborah) and James (Eileen). They were “Papu” and “Mamu” to nine grandchildren. “Gee Gee” adored his seven great grand children who will remember his unique character and singing. “Uncle Clay” is also survived by nieces and nephews who knew his love and almost always appreciated his irascible point of view.
Pat and Plato lived in many places including the original Levittown on Long Island. Plato’s professional career was in the electrical industry, becoming the Vice-President of sales for 2 national companies. In this capacity he worked on many important projects, such as, the Washington DC Metro; he also held several industrial patents.
Plato was never at a loss for a future project, taking clipboard, paper and pen to form an elaborate, detailed plan. He was well read and informed thanks to his daily consumption of the New York Times. He was always ready for, and thrived on, discussion and debate.
Plato was proud of many things in his life: his family first, his Greek citizenship, his New York City public school education, his three years of Naval service, his artistic skills, chess prowess, his writing ability and his perfect feet. He loved the bucolic setting of his home of 44 years in Madison, where he and Pat settled to be near the seashore. He studied sailing, gardening, the law, Greek history and culture, Mozart, and the Blue Birds fledging in his back yard. His High School Yearbook stated, “He Thinks He Is Swell. If You Do Not Believe It, Just Ask Him!”
A Graveside memorial will be held at 11:30 AM Tuesday, June 29, at West Side Cemetery, 63 Race Hill Road, Madison, CT
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