Nick Cottis

Nick Cottis, age 91, passed away on November 1, 2011. Born in Birmingham, AL in 1920, he was a Photographic Artist and the founder of Belmont Studios, opened in Birmingham in 1958. He developed a unique style of glamour photography early in his career. He remained active in the family business until his death. Nick lived his childhood years in Hueytown, AL, played football and graduated from Hueytown High school in 1939. Nick was a US Navy Veteran of World War II and proudly served aboard the new USS ESSEX CV-9 Aircraft carrier. After the war, Nick entered and graduated from the Southwest Institute of Photography in Dallas, TX. He began working as a Photographer in the New England area for several years where he met his wife to be, Christine. They married in 1954 and moved to Birmingham in 1957 with son Doug. In 1958 they opened Belmont Studios in downtown Birmingham. Over the years, they established many relationships through their work at schools all over Alabama. In their earlier years together, Nick and Christine loved to dance and enjoyed ice skating regularly. Nick, also known as “Mr. C” or “Pappy” by his grandchildren, played guitar and was an avid collector of antique toys. He loved the Andy Griffith show. Nick was a member of Saint Aloysius Catholic Church, Bessemer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas (Papacotis) Cottis, a Greek immigrant from Kastellorizo, Greece and mother, Claudia Broadhead Hopkins. Nick also is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Pete Plourde, who introduced his sister Christine, to Nick. Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Christine, daughter, Sandra Northcott (Bob), son, Doug Cottis (Kimberly), a brother, Jack T. Cottis (Ruth), grandchildren, Mark Northcott, Justin Northcott, Christopher Cottis, Carson Cottis, Courtney Walker (Jason), three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Special thanks go to Buffy Halfacre for your care and compassion and to the staff of Amedisys Hospice Services. Nick and Christine, who were inseparable, enjoyed dining out most every night with a glass of wine, usually at the Bright Star Restaurant. Nick, of Greek heritage, was an excellent cook and loved to prepare dishes for others to enjoy. He will be remembered for his kind nature and his generosity to others throughout his life. A private funeral mass will be at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church with burial at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South, in Hoover, AL. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to: John Carroll Catholic High School, Fine Arts Department, 300 Lakeshore Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35209.