Nicholas George Mentavlos

March 24, 2025

GURLEY, AL– Nicholas George Mentavlos, 82, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025.  He was born in Gastonia, North Carolina on May 10, 1942, to the late George Nicholas and Rougenia (Jean) Petchios Mentavlos.

Nick was a graduate of Western Carolina University, where he obtained dual degrees in Biology and Chemistry.  He became a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, having served in the Vietnam War as a member of the Underwater Demolitions Team.  Post war, Nick became a United States Secret Service Agent, who protected numerous Presidents and Dignitaries from 1969-1997.  Upon retirement, Nick initiated a corporate security program for Wachovia Bank.

Nick is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marian Garay Mentavlos; children, George Nicholas Mentavlos, Michael Constantine Mentavlos and his wife, Angee and Jean Mentavlos Keighley and her husband, Aaron; grandchildren, Savannah, Nicholas, Sophia, Michael, Amber, Alexandria, Anna Marie, Avery, Julian, Logan, Hayden and William and great-granddaughter, Saylor Rae.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Maria Holcombe, and his nephew, Mathew Holcombe.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to numerous individuals and organizations who were involved in Nick’s extensive care during the later years of his life.  They are Hospice of North Alabama, The Veteran’s Administration, and his primary caregivers Shelby Martin and Judy Wood, as well as his faithful friend, Judge Billy Bell.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  A reception will be held at the church after the service.  Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park, 1200 South New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Nick to the Alzheimer’s Association, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, or Hospice of North Alabama.

May Nick’s memory be eternal.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Tony J Chibbaro

    I was just sitting and thinking - and - Nick's name came to my mind - so - I 'Google' searched his name. I am so very sorry to learn that he has 'passed' Nick and I were in the same Company at Naval Officer Candidates School in Newport RI. The last time I saw Nick was in Greensboro NC - at a Funeral Parlor as an aunt of his had passed. I offer my sincere condolences to ALL in his Family. May God comfort you all.

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  • Michael

    I had the honor and privilege of working with Nick in ID HQs from 1980 - 1982. He was a wonderful guy with a terrific sense of humor and a great person to share a shift on the ID Duty Desk. I lost track after I left WDC in 1985, but Nick was someone you never forgot. RIP old friend. I am sure we will meet again, and your stories will never get old.

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  • Jim Kalafatis

    Marian, I know first hand that no words can comfort you when losing your soulmate and best friend. It seems like just yesterday that the four of us double-dated on your first date with Nick.
    You were so lucky to have shared your life with such an incredible man as I was to have crossed paths with both of you and your family. I know you will find consolation in the beautiful memories you all shared, and the beautiful legacy Nick leaves behind. Ionias Imnimi, May his memory be eternal.

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  • Pete Allison

    Nick and I attended both T-School and the SS Academy together in DC.
    I retired in 1999. Nick was one of my most favorite all time SS Agents. I enjoyed his long friendship. While we never served in the same office together I very much enjoyed working with Nick together on temps all over our great country, especially in NYC, and occasionally abroad. Nick was a delightful person, was always lifting me up whenever we worked together. Nick’s hobby collecting vintage WW II vehicles I found to be fascinating as I, too, was a WWII nerd. As a Naval Officer, Nick frequently liked to mention our camaraderie there as well even though I had been enlisted USN, and of course, Nick would never lord it over me (much)!!
    Nick, you will be sorely missed…
    Pete Allison
    Oxford, Mississippi

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  • Thomas (Speedie) Lewis

    Sorry to hear of Nicks passing. We had a lot of laughs working together in New York. Condolences to the family. Speedie Lewis

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  • Kenneth Giannoules

    It is with sadness learning of Nick’s passing. Eonia ti Mimi tou.. Although we were not acquainted we shared the same employer. I was a Secret Service agent from 1959, the first Greek American,serving 10 years at the white plus other posts, retiring in 1951 as agent in charge of the Chicago office
    May His memory be Eternal

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  • Sam Zona

    Marian, I just heard of the passing of Nick. I am very sorry. Nick and I started the same day, July 28th 1969. This was at the NYFO so long ago. He and I roomed together at our first school in Washington DC. I can remember your wedding like it was yesterday. Because of the nature of our job, friendships and relationships suffer. I wish we had been physically closer over the years.. We did chat over the years at times.

    If I can be of any assistance with DC etc. please reach out. I can be reached at samzona43@gmail.com. Nick was a good agent and a better man. Gods speed Nick.

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  • Gary Spector

    Served proudly with Nick for many great years in the Secret Service He will be missed !

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  • Don Schneider

    I worked with Nick on many assignments thru the years, while we were in the Secret Service. He was a hard working, competent, always professional agent who was a terrific guy who was well liked by everyone he worked with. Nick was kind and a fine gentleman who was always pleasant even at difficult times.

    There were few in the agency who had the class & dignity that were always displayed by Nick.
    To his family, i am so sorry for your loss. Nick was a very special guy.

    Respectfully,

    Don Schneider
    Former Special Agent in Charge
    St Louis, Mo. Field Office

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  • Maria Collias

    “Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.”
    Marian and family, Tula, John and families, we send our love, prayers, and deepest sympathy.

    Maria Collias and family

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