Prominent Nelson Mandela Bay businessman and Greek community leader Nicholas Peter “Nico” Pitsiladi has died.
Pitsiladi, who was born and grew up in the Bay, and whose name is synonymous with highly successful Prestons Liquors, passed away in the early hours of Saturday. He was 76.
His son, Peter, said on Monday the family was devastated.
“It was sudden and unexpected. Though he had heart issues over the years, he was in good health, so his passing came as a great shock.”
He said his father, known by all as Nico, was the eldest of four children in a large family.
“The family had proud roots in Greece and my father’s parents both emigrated from Greece.
“He was a member throughout his life of the Greek Orthodox Church.”
Peter said Pitsiladi had attended Grey High School and graduated from the then-University of Port Elizabeth with a masters in economics.
“He maintained a lifelong connection with Grey and attended his 59th matric reunion dinner last month.
“He was so looking forward to his 60th reunion next year.”
Peter said his father had been a natural businessman.
“Through his vision, business acumen and incredible people skills, he was instrumental for five decades in the growth and success of the family liquor businesses, which includes well-known names such as Prestons and Big Daddy’s.
“He took a particular interest in wine and was a familiar sight at the famous Nederburg Estate wine auctions.
“He was a proud member of the SA Brandy Foundation and numerous other liquor bodies.
“Nico had vast knowledge of every facet of the liquor industry and was known and respected by customers, employees, and suppliers.
“No matter how busy he was, he always made time for each person who needed to speak to him, and made that person feel welcome and special.
“Though he was officially retired, Nico still maintained a keen interest in the businesses and was a source of invaluable advice and expertise.”
He said his father’s first and primary focus was nevertheless his family.
“He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
“He leaves behind his beloved wife Rosely (Rose), his sons Peter and Lesvokli, his daughter-in-law Candice and his grandchildren Alexandra and Nicholas.
“My dad was truly a larger than life personality.
“He was passionate in his convictions, always ready with a welcoming smile, and lived and loved life to the full.
“Nico is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.”
The owner-director of Taste Experiences, wine estate ambassador and old family friend Olga Hafner said Pitsiladi’s business skills had been matched only by his people skills.
“He had international contacts and was a brilliant negotiator.
“But everything was done on a handshake and he had personal relationships with everyone.”
She said Pitsiladi was famously generous and people he had only briefly met could find themselves invited to the family home on the Greek island of Lesvos.
“He was a proud, passionate Greek and he loved entertaining and showing people around.
“All of us are in shock.
“His passing leaves a huge hole for the industry and the Greek community alike.”
Wine columnist Sam Venter said Pitsiladi was known far and wide in the wine and spirits industry.
“He was a legend. He built up a strong business and was a big buyer in the heyday of the Nederburg wine auctions.
“He was well-travelled and incredibly knowledgeable in his business.
“He had a sparkling personality and often wore a Fedora hat. You knew when Mr P was in the room.”
The funeral will be at noon on Monday June 10 at the Greek Orthodox Church. It can also be streamed live on https://youtube.com/live/E1cyCjNjE3g?feature=share
HeraldLIVE
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