Obituary of Nicholas Peter Tragakes

Nicholas Peter Tragakes of Westbrook, born June 15, 1949 in Hartford, CT, passed away on October 17, 2016 from injuries sustained in a car accident. He attended Tabor Academy and graduated from the University of Miami School of Engineering. He also attended Washington County Vocational Technical Institute of Boatbuilding in Lubec, Maine where he began to pursue his life-long love of wooden boats. "Captain" Nick was most content when near the water teaching his boys how to fish and sail, sailing cat boats with the Stueck-Welsh clan, fishing with his buddies Mike and Bill, or just sitting on the deck with his inevitable glass of rum. He had varied "careers" throughout his life - boat building, carpentry, bartending, teaching, and in recent years, a home inspector for Tiger Inspections in Madison. Nick was active with Westbrook Boy Scouts and was so proud that both his sons achieved the rank of Eagle. He loved to tinker in his basement with boats and their parts, outboard engines, and his 1949 Willys Jeepster. His greatest joys were his two sons, Alex and Christopher who he adored with all his heart. Nick cherished family, extended family and friends - the "Beach House" is always full of laughter, love, and great times. He loved living on the Sound and never lost his appreciation and awe of living in such a magical and special place. Nick could be seen daily, walking on the beach with whatever dogs were in our lives at the time - Dory, Annie, Nukie, Leo, and most recently hisbeloved pals - Darcy and Casey. He is survived by his "fair maiden" of 28 years, Lynda Hunnicutt Tragakes, his sons, Alex and Christopher, his twin sisters - Priscilla Russo (and brother in law Sal) and Anne Zekind, as well as beloved nieces and nephews - Dina, Michele, Tory, and Kristen (and their spouses and children). He is also survived by his in laws - Jean Hunnicutt, Frank and Dollie Hunnicutt, and sister in laws Donna Hunnicutt and Lisa Hunnicutt. He was predeceased by his parents - Peter Nicholas Tragakes and Clare Coffey Tragakes and brother in law, Irving Zekind. Nick and Lynda have been blessed to have so many friends who have shared countless and wonderful memories over the years - a heartfelt thank you for the outpouring of love and support that has been extended to our entire family during this heartbreaking time. Nick's infectious smile and kind, carefree spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Visiting hours will be held on Friday October 21, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, in Centerbrook. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nick's memory to Mystic Seaport Museum attn: Advancements- Small Craft Programs, 75 Greenmanville Ave. Mystic, CT 06355 or the Valley Shore Animal Welfare League, P.O. Box 1134 Westbrook, CT 06498. To share a memory Nick or leave condolence for his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.