Nick Demas

Nick was larger than life, funnier than any comedian, generous beyond measurement, with a heart big enough to share with so many.  These are just a few words that describe Nick Demas.  Nick entered this world on March 4, 1947 and passed away on Saturday, June 29th.  Nick was born in Washington, DC to Gust and Effie Demas.  The family then moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Nick went to Highland High School where he played basketball and worked with his dad at Gust Demas Auto Sales.  After high school he moved to Anaheim, California where he worked at Disneyland and attended Santa Ana Community College.  In typical Nick “can’t stay in one spot too long” fashion, he fled to Culver Stockton College in Canton, Missouri.  Finally settling in Phoenix, Nick and his Dad owned and operated Demas Volkswagon until Nick opened Jalopy Jungle.  This is when Nick began his career as “the walking man’s friend” operating his successful used car operation in central Phoenix for over 33 years.  Some of Nick’s honorable mentions include “the famous three hour tour”, co-founder of the Arcadia Rotary Club where he had perfect attendance and was the self-proclaimed expert of the back roads of the metro Phoenix area.  Nick was predeceased by his parents.  He is survived by his children Christie Demas Crossley, her husband (Nick’s favorite son in law!) Erik and his much loved son Nikko Demas.  Nick lived just long enough to welcome his treasured only grandchild into our world, Sutton Ryan Crossley born April 22, 2013.  His sisters Tina Demas, Eleni Failoni and her husband Kevin, his nephew Fred Demas, his children Addison and Colin and his wife Kim Demas.  HIs niece Polly Treadway, her two children Grace and Emily and her husband Mike Maloich.  Nick’s family included so many friends that cherished his larger than life and gracious spirit.  Nick was a father figure to many, a brother to others, a source of strength and support to many more.  He will be greatly missed!  There will be an open house at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home from Noon to 3pm on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 with a Celebration of Life to follow at Eli’s American Grill from 4 to 7pm.