Nicholas ‘Eco’ Economopoulos, 72; Longtime Wallingford Coach, Teacher

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Nicholas "Eco" Economopoulos, 72, of Wallingford, passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at Hartford Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband of Susan (Marconi) Economopoulos.

Nick was born in Westbury, NY, son of the late James Economopoulos and Mary Marino, where he was a standout football and baseball player at W. Tresper Clarke High School. He went on to play both sports at Central CT State University where he met his future wife, Sue, and earned his teaching degree in Business Education.

Upon graduation, he began his teaching and coaching career at Lyman Hall High School. In 1972, he, along with Judy Samaha, started the tradition of Powderpuff Football which has been a beloved event in the community for 50 years. He also coached soccer, baseball, and football, but his true love was coaching basketball. His basketball career spanned several decades awarding him 4 state championships, numerous league championships, and over 600 career wins. In addition to these accomplishments, in 1988 Nick started the Connecticut Starters AAU program, a club that has become one of the top programs on the east coast. One of his greatest joys was coaching his granddaughters' travel and AAU basketball teams, and passing on his love of the game to his children and grandchildren.

Nick is survived by his wife Susan, his children Christie (Steve) Madancy, Lynn Economopoulos (Dave Behun), Nickie (Jon) Whitehouse, Shani Green (Peter Greco), and James (Tayler) Economopoulos; and his grandchildren Kayce, Dori, Ellie, Olive, Henry, Cora, Sunshine, and Poppy.

In addition to his immediate family were his close friends, the extended Marconi family, his former students, players, coaching partners, and Lyman Hall colleagues: all of whom he loved dearly and within who Nick's legacy will forever live on. His passion, empathy, and charisma positively impacted countless lives.

Nick’s family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., on Tuesday, May 31, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (the family requests masks be worn inside the funeral home).

Eco touched many lives. Instead of mourning his loss, the family invites everyone to a celebration of his life. Please come and share stories and laughs at the P.N.A. Park, 171 N. Plains Industrial Highway, Wallingford, on Wednesday, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dress casual, Eco would want it that way.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to: Pink Ladies’ Sisters for Hope Foundation, PO Box 682, Wallingford, CT 06492. (www.thepinkladiessistersforhope.org).

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.