Nicholas Gekas, age 89, passed away on April 20 at Community General Osteopathic Hospital (UPMC). Born March 21, 1933, son of Catherine (Psyhoyou) and Constantine Gekas and proceeded in death by his brother George.
Nick’s greatest achievement was the example he set for his family as a loving, giving, supportive father and husband. Nick met the love of his life, Peggy (Pappas) at a Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) conference in Philadelphia. After their courtship and engagement, they were married on October 2, 1960.
Nick was born in PolyClinic Hospital in Harrisburg. He graduated from William Penn High School. Nick had a newspaper stand at the Market Square in Harrisburg. He would deliver newspapers to the President of Dauphin Deposit Bank, who offered Nick a full scholarship to Penn State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and later obtained a Master’s degree from Temple University. He also served in the Army for 2 years at Fort Hood.
Nick was a member of many professional and fraternal organizations. He was a 32nd degree Mason with the Robert Burns Lodge 0464 F & A.M. of Pennsylvania, playing the violin for their consistory orchestra. He was a member and served as president of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA).
He was also committed to his community and education, serving as President of the Harrisburg Academy, President of the Susquehanna Township school board, and President of Dauphin County Vo-Tech.
Nick was a man of great faith, serving as a board member and president overseeing the construction of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Camp Hill, Pa.
He was employed at AMP Inc. for 25 years. After retiring from AMP Inc., he launched a second career working for the Pennsylvania Auditor General, Barbara Hafer, for 15 years before officially retiring.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Peggy (Pappas) Gekas, and his twin boys Dean, wife Irene (Glinatsis), grandsons Connor, Michael, and Peter of Scottsdale AZ and Evan, wife Vicki (Pallas), grandsons Nicholas and Alex of Atlanta, GA.
Nick enjoyed traveling with his family all over the United States & Canada. He also traveled Italy, Spain, France, and Greece. He loved Penn State Football and never missed a home game with his family.
His family, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, and community will always hold him in their hearts and remember him lovingly forever. Nick was a gentle giant champion for all.
Visitation will be Monday April 25th from 6- 8:30pm and Tuesday April 26th from 10:30-11:30am with Funeral services at 11:30 all to held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1000 Yverdon Dr. Camphill, PA 17011
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neillharrisburg.com for the Gekas family.
