Nick J. Thiros

Nick J. Thiros peacefully passed away while surrounded by his family on Thursday, October 14, 2010. Nick was born to James and Katherine Thiros in Youngstown, Ohio on January 8, 1932. A few years later the family moved to Gary, Indiana and lived in the Froebel and Tolleston areas, where Nick and his surviving brothers, George (Tula) and Tony grew up. In 1960 Nick married his surviving wife of 50 years, Helen (Platis), of Gary. They raised their 4 surviving children Louis (Mary), Connie, Jim (Anne) and Mark (Yvette) along the sand dunes of Lake Michigan in Gary’s Miller Beach area and later in Merrillville. Nick attended Froebel then Tolleston High School, graduating at the early age of 16. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University in 1954, and then completed Law School at Valparaiso University. Nick began his legal career in 1957 in Gary. In 1971 Nick and long time partner, Max Cohen, formed the law firm of Cohen & Thiros. Nick was admitted to both State and Federal Courts, including the United States Supreme Court. He belonged to many legal organizations, including the Indiana Bar Association, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and most prestigiously, Nick was a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. Recently Nick helped create and implement the Public Defender systems for the Lake County Superior Court and the Federal District Court in Hammond. He served as president for both Boards. Additionally Nick was a founding member of the Calumet Chapter of the American Inns of Court, an organization committed to maintaining the integrity of the legal practice through ethics and professionalism. Nick was highly respected by his fellow attorneys and judges. His trial skills were revered as Nick was a true master in the courtroom. His cross examinations were legendarily feared as he battled for his clients, to which he remained loyal, no matter the case. Nick’s true personality came through in closing arguments when he spoke heart to heart with jurors. Nick’s success inspired both sons Mark and Jim to follow him in law, with Mark joining the firm in 1987 and Jim in 1988. Over the last few years Nick almost slowed down his work by enjoying the winter months with Helen in Naples. Just recently Mark and Jim formed a partnership with Paul Stracci, whom Nick also mentored. The firm, now named Thiros & Stracci, is where Nick continued to work until his death. His presence in the office will be sorely missed by everyone, especially his dedicated secretary, Elizabeth Callas. Nick belonged to Innsbrook Country Club. He loved taking golf trips with his brother-in-law, Dr. Jim Platis, including two trips to Ireland with their sons. In his younger days Nick played basketball, softball and bowled. He also liked fishing as he found it less frustrating than golf. Nick remained an active board member with the Gary Old-Timers Athletic Association, which promotes sporting programs throughout the region. Nick quietly and generously donated to many organizations, especially his church, Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Merrillville. He belonged to the AHEPA Chapter 78. He was also on the Board of Directors of St. Mary Medical Center. In addition to Dr. Jim (Penny) Platis, Nick is also survived by brother-in-law George (Fanny) Platis, many nieces and nephews and their children, and many dearly close friends with whom he has shared his life. Finally, Nick leaves his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Madison, Camille, Henry and Bianca. His legacy of integrity, character and dignity lives on.Visitation will be on Monday, October 18, 2010 from 2:00-8:00 PM at Kish Funeral Home 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN. with a Trisagian Prayer Service at 5:00 PM. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 10:00 AM at St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison Ave. Merrillville, IN. Entombment will be at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the church or the Cerebral Palsy of NW Indiana Inc. in his memory would be appreciated.