Obituaries

Nicholas M. Spanos

Nick Spanos, the beloved father of three, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 23, 2021, at the age of 83. He was a Peninsula resident most of his life before moving to Kill Devil Hills, NC. where he enjoyed 19 years. While there, he attended the Outer Banks Baptist Church. In 2019, he moved to Gloucester, Virginia for the remainder of his life.

From an early age, with a strong work ethic and a strong sense of responsibility, Nick worked two and three jobs at a time to support his family. After serving in the U.S.M.C., he joined the Newport News Police Department where he was a Detective Lieutenant. At age 30, he became the Director of Security at Newport News Shipbuilding from which he retired after 30 years of service.

Nick was married for 44 years and raised three children, Michael N. Spanos (Tina) of Wellston Ohio, Patricia S. Tuttle (Dewitt) of Gloucester Virginia, and Christopher N. Spanos of Groton, Connecticut. Also, surviving are three grandchildren, Douglas Tuttle (Stacy), Nicole Tuttle Klaugh, and Michael A. Spanos (Emma), and a granddaughter by marriage, Brenda Luley (Patrick), as well as one great-granddaughter, Magdalene Spanos.

Nick loved his family, being out on the water, and spending time with old friends.

Burial will be a private service at Greenlawn Memorial Park. He will be buried alongside his parents Mike and Mary Spanos.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, where he served on the Board of Directors.

Rest in Peace Dad. You will be missed each and every day.  We’ll see you on the other side.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.

25 Comments

  1. jim walls

    To the family,
    So sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Nick and the many chats we had at the Police Museum in Hilton Village where I volunteer. When Nick was in town from the Outer Banks he would come by and have coffee while we talked and he perused the old pictures and reminisced of the good old times. I’m going to miss those talks. I’m going to miss Nick. God bless.

  2. Scott Miller, State Farm Insurance Agent Retired

    So sorry to read about your loss. I enjoyed working with him until he moved to NC. He was an honorable man. I Remember the Lincoln he restored.

      • Richard T Chance

        I had the pleasure to work with Lt Spanos at Newport News police Detective Bureau. I was assigned to Major Crimes Homicide. Lt Spanos was a cops cop and mentor friend and helped me in my career. Left NNPD to go with State as investigator. Prayers for family.

  3. Cecil and Betty Miller, poquoson va

    So sorry for your loss,I worked with him in the city and we were class of 56, he was a good man and friend.

  4. Kevin L Vandevender

    Mike,
    Sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. I have wondered about you over the recent years since we worked together at Basic. Hope you are doing well, if you get a chance contact me, would like to hear from you.

  5. Shirley [ Willis ] Crawford

    I was in the same grade as Nick at ””’NNHS””’/ i do remember him as being ”’such a good guy”’ !!
    I am sure that is how everyone remembers him / he seemed so dependable —- with a good quiet presence
    I was so sorry to hear this news & I would like to send Love and Prayers to his Family / You had to be very
    proud of him.

    • Patricia Tuttle

      Thank you Mr. Tugwell, now they are together again. We still miss our grandfather like crazy! He was just the best grandfather ever 🙂

  6. Dana Allen Coyne

    I am so sorry to hear of Nick’s passing. He was a lifelong friend of my dad, Charlie Allen. When my dad visited me in the OBX, we always would go visit Nick and I got to hear them reminisce about gradeschool all the way through times at the shipyard and hear his stories behind all the photos in his basement man cave. Nick was a very kind and loving man and an all-round good guy. Dad gave my son Mike Nick’s number when Mike was 15 and working as a hang gliding instructor. Nick offered his welding equipment to my son Sam when he was moving to Gloucester, when he learned Sam was studying to be a welder. Everytime I saw Nick at Walmart when I worked there, I’d come up to him and give him a big hug. We will miss him. We pray his family will find comfort in knowing Nick is with his Savior. Love and hugs to you all. ❤

  7. Jimmy turner

    Went thru high school with nick he talk to me about getting on the police force my uncle was chief of police i talked to him about what a good person nick was he was hired sometime after that

  8. Bethany & JJ Allen

    We bought our house in Kill Devil Hills from Mr. Spanos and he was always so kind to us throughout the whole process. We got to speak with him a lot during the house showings and he told us some awesome stories about his life. He talked with my husband about Ohio State (my husband is a huge fan) and was so excited for us to start our family in a house that he loved. The whole neighborhood loved Mr. Spanos and we are so sad to hear about his passing. Sending love and prayers to the family! xo

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