Manchester by the Sea – Christos G. Nahatis, 95, husband of M. Alice (Mitchell) passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 5, 2018 after a courageous six-month journey with acute myeloid leukemia. Born on October 27, 1922 in Manchester-by-the-Sea, he was the son of beloved, ambitious immigrants, the late Constantinos and Johanna (Alexopoulos) Nahatis, raised devoutly Greek Orthodox in the same home in which he continued to run his Saladmaster business. He attributed his… Read More » work ethic to the Manchester grocer who taught him to always keep busy as a boy.
This was a natural for Chris. When as a teenager his dad gave him a set of drums, he became the North Shore’s answer to Gene Krupa, playing in dance halls and movie theaters as Chris Nahatis and His Swing Band. He led a seven man ensemble to local stardom that ended with America’s entry into World War II.
Chris then enlisted in the Marine Corps. From an early age, Nahatis had always shown a flair for sales. Also known as Mr. Saladmaster, Chris was the originator of the infomercial on TV in 1954.
He was known for his trademark commercials that have run consecutively on television for over 60 years, where he banged his pots and pans together and Saladmaster won every single time! The rest is history as his commercial has been the longest running ever on TV. Chris introduced his Saladmaster products throughout numerous countries.
He was the leader in the cookware industry, selling more Saladmaster cookware than anyone in the world. He was the Saladmaster’s “5 Star General”. He was a true legend.
Chris always saw the opportunities in life – that’s why he wrote his autobiography last year! This was one of his greatest accomplishments. He wanted the children of today to realize the possibilities out there.
They have to see them by using their imagination and magical thinking. His family was extremely important to Chris. He was married to the love of his life, Alice for 72 years, and together, they raised five children he adored.
He was loved deeply by his wife, children, their families and the community. The Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea has lost an icon in the community who was giving, loyal and a true philanthropist. Chris was an avid traveler who loved to cruise with his family and blow the horn from the bridge on departure.
He enjoyed Greek music and dancing, taking his grandchildren to the circus, special Fourth of July gatherings, entertaining with Alice at their family home and his favorite hobby, Saladmaster. Chris was passionate about his country and his Town of Manchester-By-The-Sea, where he was a lifelong resident. Chris’s faith was very important to his daily life.
He was a member of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of Ipswich, MA. He was an instrumental part in the purchase of the Hellenic Center in Ipswich when serving as President of the Parish Council. In 1982, Chris received the Ministry Award from His Eminence Methodios for Outstanding Service to the Greek Orthodox Church, an honor he was very proud of.
Nahatis served as a member of the 100 Club, The Manchester Masonic Lodge, The Shriners, The Manchester Legion, The Alpha Omega, The Elder Brethren, and The Manchester Club as well as the Personnel Board and the Fire Station Building Committee. Chris leaves behind his loving wife Alice, loving children, son Charles Nahatis and daughter-in-law Stella, daughter Stephanie Senecal and son-in-law Daniel, daughter Christina Nahatis Barrett, all of Manchester-by-the Sea, son Arthur Nahatis of Midlothian, Texas, daughter Johanna Kadra and son-in-law Malcolm of Hamilton, MA. He leaves his beloved grandchildren Alyssa Nahatis and partner Rob Norton, Christie Peterson and husband Lief, Chris Nahatis and wife Loria, Joshua Silverstein and wife Caitlin, David Silverstein and wife Katie, Lauren Silverstein and partner Justin West, Alexandra Sweet and husband Michael, and Paul R. Danehy, Jr. Nahatis also leaves his loving great grandchildren, Mackenzie and Alexia Peterson, Robert and Deacon Silverstein, Athan and Alice Nahatis, Hugo and Charlotte Silverstein, and Trey Danehy.
He also leaves his sisters-in-law, Penelope Gould and Helen Nahatis and many nieces and nephews and cousins. He is pre-deceased by his brother Michael and his sister Zoe, daughter-in-law Susan Nahatis, and three lifelong friends George Belezos, John Konaxis, and Stan Kurzman. Chris will be remembered for his great spirit, positive attitude, story telling, extraordinary wisdom and love of life.
We are thankful for the care at Beverly Hospital Oncology/Hematology, his Hospice Team, Tracey S., Tracey B., Julie and Pam and especially grateful for his angels Melanie and Courtney. His Funeral Service will be held at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 8 Lafayette Rd. , Ipswich, Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 9 a.m. followed by an internment at Rosedale Cemetery, Manchester-by-the-Sea.
Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, Friday from 4 – 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to: Beverly Hospital Philanthropy, 85 Herrick St, Beverly, MA 01915 or Greek Orthodox Church Hellenic Center Building Fund, P.O. Box 6, Ipswich, MA 01938. Information, directions, condolences at www.
campbellfuneral.com.
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