Nick J. Thiros, who practiced law in northwest Indiana for more than 50 years, died Oct. 14.

Thiros, 78, grew up in Gary, where he began his legal career in 1957 after graduating from Valparaiso University School of Law. He and Max Cohen formed the law firm Cohen & Thiros in 1971, where he practiced in criminal law. Two of Thiros’ children, Mark and Jim, joined the firm in the late 1980s. The two sons recently formed a partnership with Paul Stracci, and the firm is now named Thiros & Stracci. Thiros continued to work there as a senior partner until his death.

He belonged to many legal organizations, including the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and was a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. Thiros helped create and implement the public defender systems for Lake Superior Court and the District Court in Hammond. His cross examinations were described as “legendarily feared” and he was highly respected by fellow attorneys and judges.

Thiros is survived by his wife, Helen; children Louis (Mary), Connie, Jim (Anne), and Mark (Yvette); two brothers-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and five grandchildren. Visitation is today from 2 to 8 p.m. at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave., Munster, with a Trisagian Prayer Service at 5 p.m. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison Ave., Merrillville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church or Cerebral Palsy of NW Indiana Inc.