Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 10, 2026

CHARLOTTE – Nickie Hondros Kleto passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of family, after a life marked by resilience, faith, devotion, and generosity.

Born on July 8, 1928, in Clinton, North Carolina, Nickie was the daughter of Charles Spiro Hondros and Maria Zaharopoulos Hondros.  She was one of five children and experienced both profound hardship and remarkable perseverance from an early age.  Following the tragic loss of her sister, Katina, Nickie, her mother, sister Theodora, and brother, Spiro relocated to Greece during the 1930s.  There, Nickie endured the loss of her father in 1937 and her mother in 1943, leaving her and her siblings to be raised by relatives through the difficult years of World War II. However, living in the village allowed her to appreciate a simple lifestyle and gain an understanding of living with what the land will provide from their small farm.  In 1945, as American citizens, Nickie, Theodora, and Spiro were able to return to the United States, first arriving in New York before reestablishing their lives in North Carolina.  They were joyfully reunited with their older brother, John, who had served in the U.S. Navy.  But their joy was short-lived as shortly thereafter John was killed in an automobile accident, adding another profound loss to a family that had already endured so much.  For several years thereafter they lived near Wilmington, NC with their Aunt Helen and husband, Pete Compos, along with support from their Aunt Froso and Uncle Steve Pantazis.

In Wilmington, Nickie met the love of her life, Tom Kleto.  They married on June 12, 1949, beginning a marriage that would span more than 65 years and be defined by love, devotion, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment.  Together, they made their home in Charlotte, where they raised three sons: Sam, John, and Pete.  She was forever grateful for her husband and sons, along with their sons’ families.

For many years, Nickie was a dedicated homemaker whose greatest joy was caring for her family.  Later, she worked alongside her husband in the restaurant at the Orvin Inn, greeting customers with warmth and appreciation.  A faithful member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and later St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, she instilled in her children a deep appreciation for their Greek heritage, family traditions, and faith.

In 1973, Nickie and Tom built their family home in Providence Plantation, where she expanded her passion for vegetable gardening and horticulture.  Her acre of land became a thriving farm, producing everything from tomatoes and corn to peaches, strawberries, herbs, and melons.  She took pride in nurturing both her garden and the people around her, sharing her harvest and hospitality freely with family, friends, and neighbors.

After Tom's retirement in 1986, the couple divided their time between Charlotte and their home at Kure Beach, creating lasting friendships and treasured memories.  When her aunt, Helen Compos, suffered a stroke, Nickie and Tom lovingly welcomed her into their home and cared for her for several years, reflecting the compassion and generosity that defined Nickie's life.

Following Tom's passing in 2014, Nickie continued to cherish family above all else.  In 2016, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by taking her sons to Greece to visit the villages of Micro Horio, Fidakia, Fragista and Kerasohori, as well as the historic Monastery of Prousso, reconnecting her family with their ancestral roots.

Nothing brought Nickie greater happiness than gathering her family around her table, sharing the traditions of her Greek heritage, tending her garden, and watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow and thrive.  Her love, strength, faith, and example will continue to guide generations to come.

Nickie is survived by her three sons, Sam Kleto and his wife, Maria P, John Kleto and his wife, Maria K.; and Pete Kleto and his wife, Susan.  She was the proud grandmother of Tommy Kleto and his wife, Kristy, Elizabeth Kleto, Niki Kleto, Nicholas Kleto, Marian Meyerhoff and her husband, Matt and Charlie Kleto.  She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, Taylor Rankin, Xan Rankin, Dawson Meyerhoff, RJ Meyerhoff, and Bryce Kleto, who brought her tremendous joy.  Nickie is also survived by numerous godchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, generosity, and love.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom Kleto; her parents and her siblings.  

The family wishes to thank her caregivers of recent years, including Joana Chavez, Anna Nixon, Roula Zaganas, and Joy Wells, as well as her dedicated doctor of many years, Peter Copsis.

Nickie will be remembered for her strength in the face of adversity, her deep love of family, her enduring faith, her welcoming spirit, and the example she set for generations to follow. What began as a childhood marked by loss became a life rich in love, family, friendship, and gratitude. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the traditions she preserved, and the countless lives she touched.

Funeral Services for Nickie will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.  The service will be livestreamed through the church's YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/@HolyTrinityCathedralCharlotte for those unable to attend in person.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Nickie to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Attn: Pre-School Fund, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 or St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, Attn: St. Nicholas Fund, 5108 Kuykendall Road, Charlotte, NC 28270 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

May Her 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.