Obituary of Nicholas Yunis

1926-2015 Elmira: Age 89, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday October 3, 2015. Nick was born on August 10, 1926, the youngest child of John and Dellal Yunis. He is predeceased by his brothers Elias, George and Tuffee, his wife Barbara–the love of his life–and his son Jeffery. Nick is survived by his sister Helen Yunis Lutomski; children, Georgia Reynolds and Ransom, Jr., and their children Ransom III (Sheila), Nicholas (Lia), and Gavin (Mark Chamberlain); Pamela Yunis and Kim Kinsman and son Steven Shaw, Jr.; Bebette Yunis and Kristen DeLuca; and Jeffery's children Cassie (Travis) MacDonald and Taylor Yunis; seven great grandchildren; longtime family friends Ellen Gibbs Matson and Leslie Jones. His longtime nurses, Patti Pipher and Shelley Augustine, took excellent care of him until his passing. Nick was an extraordinary man who made a huge impact on everyone he met. He was a devoted father and grandfather and especially loved entertaining and bringing people together. Nick was happiest when surrounded by family and close friends, especially at Keuka Lake. Many remember Nick's constant presence at Camp Arey, making rounds on his golf cart, enjoying a cocktail and a cigar. His extraordinary business acumen led him to found and develop several successful ventures in the community. A well-respected real estate entrepreneur, he developed, sold and leased several residential and commercial properties from New York to Florida. He had an innate instinct for identifying new opportunities, opening GCP Discount Liquors in 1968, and opening Grand Central Discount Beer in September 2015. Nick's dynamic personality, wit, kindness, generosity and humor will be greatly missed by family, friends and his community. Friends are invited to a Solemn Requiem Mass at Grace Episcopal Church, 375 W Church Street, Elmira on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Nick's memory to either, Chemung County SPCA, 2435 State Route 352, Elmira, NY 14903 or the Humane Society of Yates County, 1216 State Route 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527.