Nicholas Mingos (Nikos Tsilimingos), a cherished member of the Greek-Australian community, passed away on Monday, December 9, just three days after celebrating his name day and mere weeks before his 101st birthday.
Born in 1924 in the village of Kontias on the island of Lemnos, Nicholas lived a life rich in history and love. Earlier this year, on January 16, he marked his 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends, reflecting on a century filled with remarkable stories.
Nicholas shared tales of his parents, who were refugees from Asia Minor, his childhood on Lemnos, the hardships of the German Occupation during World War II, and his service on the frontlines during the Greek Civil War. His experiences shaped his resilience and determination.
A life marked by hardship and triumph
Nicholas survived the horrors of war, attributing his survival to a small cross he always carried—a talisman of faith that he believed performed miracles. After the war, he worked as a courier between Athens and Lemnos, balancing days in the bustling capital with evenings in underground rebetiko clubs, where music and camaraderie provided solace.
In 1959, Nicholas emigrated to Australia with his wife, Asimenia, and their young son, John, seeking a better future. Arriving aboard the Flaminia, the family settled in Melbourne, where Nicholas worked tirelessly, eventually establishing a successful business.
A legacy of love and family
Nicholas and his beloved wife Asimenia, who passed away in May 2023, shared over 70 years of marriage. Together, they raised two sons, John and Kostas, and were blessed with four grandchildren: Nikos, Jasmin, Nikos, and Alexia.
Even in his later years, Nicholas remained active, hosting gatherings at his Bentleigh East home, where his love for his family and zest for life shone brightly.
A connection to history
Born two years after the Asia Minor Catastrophe, Nicholas carried the legacy of his parents, Ioannis and Georgitsa, who had fled to Lemnos under harrowing circumstances. His mother’s story of survival, escaping Turkish forces with her infant son, underscored the family’s resilience.
In his final years, Nicholas reflected on his life with gratitude, often sharing his motto: “I’ve lived a good life, full of love, family, and hard work.”
Nicholas Mingos’ journey, spanning 100 years, is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and familial bonds. He leaves behind a legacy cherished by his family and the wider Greek-Australian community.
*Nikos Mingos’s funeral will be held on Friday, December 13, at 12.30pm at the Holy Church of Saints Anargyroi in Oakleigh. The burial will follow at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, in The Pines section (entrance via Princes Highway). After the burial, the family will receive condolences at the Refreshment Rooms located within the cemetery.
