The man who helped introduce Midland, Michigan, to the world’s greatest food (and we’re talking about pizza, of course) has passed away at 92, leaving behind a legacy that’s hardly limited to slinging dough, including a restaurant that has operated continuously for 65 years.
Nick Stamas bought Pizza Sam’s when co-founder Sam Ortisi left the business shortly after it opened in 1960. Nick operated Pizza Sam’s in partnership with his older brother, George Stamas. According to Midland Daily News, it was the city’s first pizza restaurant and “has become a landmark and a gathering place” for the community.
The pizzeria announced the Stamas family patriarch’s death in a Facebook post on December 15. The post noted that Stamas “put his heart and soul into [Pizza Sam’s] every day.”
It continued: “Raising 4 children of his own and countless others in the community, he was a pillar of the Midland and Bullock Creek areas. Nick loved everyone he ever met (even if he didn’t always remember them) and cared deeply for others. He was loved by so many and will be remembered for years and years to come.”
“Pizza Sam’s was a place where you went to celebrate,” said Maureen Donker, Midland’s mayor, in an interview with the Midland Daily News. “It was where you celebrated birthdays. When you were having a special sleepover, Pizza Sam’s is the takeout that you got and brought home. It’s a wonderful memory for me.”
Nick’s son, Tony Stamas, remembered his dad as “a gentleman that was committed to this community, and he gave his time, leadership and voice generously. He believed in Midland and worked quietly and consistently to make it stronger. He leaves behind a legacy of service, integrity and care for others, and he was someone who showed up, contributed thoughtfully and cared deeply about this community.”
The Facebook post announcing Nick’s death has garnered more than 1,600 reactions and 362 comments.
“[Nick] and his crew made the pizzas of my youth, and they set a high bar for every pizzeria that followed,” one commenter wrote.
Another wrote, “As a young girl, I remember being mesmerized by watching Mr. Stamas in the window, throwing the crusts in the air. As an adult, [I remember] chatting with him whenever I went into the restaurant….Nick is a Midland icon.” Still another commenter called Nick “the nicest boss I ever had!”
Tony told the Midland Daily News that his dad had “that welcoming smile and just enjoyed the people that were around and always went out of his way to help people.” Even when he was in his 80s, Nick “kept checking on things [at Pizza Sam’s] and making sure it was up to par…He always wanted to make sure the customer had a great experience and really had a great pizza and sandwiches. That was his way of giving. So many people that worked there over the years he encouraged and supported and helped as they were going off to school or to another job.”
Tony concluded, “He lived a great 92 years and enjoyed all those around him to the very end. Just a blessed life.”
