Nicolas Dimitri Gikakis

passed away peacefully at his home on December 15, 2025.

We never called him “Dad.” To everyone, including his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends, he was affectionately known as “Nico.”

A proud Greek-American, born in Istanbul, Nico was a thinker and a fixer. He came to the United States to earn his Engineering Degree and settled down in Arlington, VA, where he raised his family. Nico made his mark as a Mechanical Engineer for firms in the Washington, DC area, served at the National Institute of Health, and enjoyed a remarkable career at the US Department of State, traveling the world in service to our country.

He is survived by his wife Astrid, his children Taki (wife Tammy), Katarina, Nicolas (wife Patricia), and Christina (husband Matthew); his cherished grandchildren Alexander, Zachary, Erik, Emily, Helen, Eva, and Amelia; his sister Sula; and his former wife Barbara.

Nico was known for his generosity and willingness to help others. With his engineering mindset, he believed he could fix anything, and as his kids can attest, they were often enlisted to hold the flashlight while he tackled projects like taking apart the furnace or swapping out the alternator on the car. Nico loved to take his family on adventures (sometimes in a car we had worked on together). He constantly encouraged us to gather and check on one another. Every conversation would include him asking, "Have you seen your sister?” or "Did you visit your mother?" He loved listening to music, and whenever you would go to visit, Astrid and Nico would be listening to Greek or Classical and always wanted to share a good meal with us. Nico and Astrid loved to explore new places, often taking day trips or enjoying favorite restaurants. Nico had a passion for traveling which was what he did with the Department of State, bringing back all sorts of treasures to share with his family. He always remembered and honored his Hellenic Constantinople roots through his involvement with the several DC-based Hellenic organizations.

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, VA 22041. Donations to Blood Cancer United (LSS) in honor of Nico’s name are welcome.