George Vello Nickolaou, age 85, of Battle Creek, passed away, Saturday, March 18th, 2017 at his home. George was born in 1932, in Nered, Macedonia and immigrated to the USA in 1951, living first in Mansfield, Ohio and Detroit, prior to coming to Battle Creek. George had been employed by the Westinghouse Company and the Ohio Bell Telephone Co. in Mansfield, OH . He then worked as a salesman for the Sibley Shoe Co. and was a dance instructor for the Arthur Murray Studio on a local TV station in Detroit. George moved to Battle Creek and married the former Mary C. Nicola on April 24th 1955. George then worked as a deliveryman for the Battle Creek Bread Co. He and his wife Mary owned and operated several local businesses, including Vello’s Drive-In, and the Apartment Lounge. In 1972 George designed and built the Oakland Hills Golf Club and spent many years improving and operating the course. George was member of St. Elias Eastern Orthodox Church and with his wife, supported many charitable organizations that served those with developmental disabilities. George is survived by a daughter, Rozanne Nickolaou, of Battle Creek, sons, George Vello (Anriikka) Nickolaou Jr. of Brighton, MI, and Louie John (Lizabeth) Nickolaou, of Battle Creek, grandchildren, Katherine and John Nickolaou, and Laura and Adrienne Botsford. George was preceded in death by his wife of 58 Years, Mary C. Nickolaou, in 2013, an infant son, Mark Elia Nickolaou, sisters, Christina Nedelkos and Katherine Dimitropaulos, and a brother, Nick Nickoloau. The Family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, Sunday at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, 223 N. Bedford Rd. A film tribute and Eulogies will begin at 6:30 PM Sunday, followed by A Panikhida Service at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday at the St. Elias Eastern Orthodox Church, 5066 B Drive South. Memorials may be given to the Kambly Living Center.
. Visit George’s webpage at www. bachmanhebble.com.