Arist K. Christ

MADISON- Aristidis K. Christ, age 85, died Thursday, September 17, 2009, at Meriter Hospital. He was born March 14, 1924, in Grania, Greece, to parents Kosta and Agatha Christou. Once he finished school, he went into the Greek Army as a Captain and fought during the Communist Uprising for his home on Mt. Olympus, for his family and for his country. After the war his family moved to Larisa while Arist moved to Madison, WI to live with his uncle, Tom Christ. While learning English, Arist took odd jobs as a janitor or a stock boy. He then met Nick Kristakos who owned Nick's Restaurant and together they became partners in the restaurant. He would send most of his money to Greece for his sisters to be married. After raising enough money, Arist returned to Greece and met Anastasia Kazakis, whom he married in 1962. Together they moved to Madison, WI and Arist continued to run Nick's Restaurant with his nephew, Vassilios Briamis. Eventually, both his sons took over the business.

He enjoyed playing the Greek mandolin, (called a bouzouki) and was an avid sports fan. Arist loved playing poker with his close friends and he was loved by everyone who met him. His family and his business were most important to him.

He is survived by his wife, Anastasia; sons: Constantine and Tom; brother, Mitso; sisters: Fula, Anna and Nitsa; nephew, Vassilios Briamis; cousin, Vassilios Adamos; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews living in Greece.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Yianni and Vassilios, and sister, Stella.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Sunday, September 20, 2009, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 21, 2009, at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 N. Seventh Street, Madison. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Madison.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.