Nicholas Tenekedes

Nicholas Tenekedes, born June 26, 1922, died on Wednesday, October 21, 2015. A Navy veteran of WWII, his unit, the U.S.S. Windsor (APA-55) took part in nine Pacific invasions and was awarded five Battle Stars. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War, and subsequently remained on active duty, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in 1970. He had a second career as Chief Engineer at the former ORMC.

After retiring from ORMC, Nick enjoyed woodworking, spending countless hours in his workshop, making sawdust and creating beautiful heirlooms to pass on to generations to come. His specialty was “iconostasia”, which are cabinets with shelves that hold byzantine icons and other religious relics to establish a prayer corner in one’s home.

The son of Greek immigrants from Asia Minor (Maria Fontos and Andrew Tenekedes), Nick was proud of his heritage and devoted to his Eastern Orthodox faith. He was beloved by his adoring family and many friends.

He is survived by Tess, his wife of 69 years and his sweetheart during his time away at war. He is also survived by his daughter Maria, son Andrew, son-in-law Rev. Michael Courey, and daughter-in-law Rebecca Ver Meer. He loved his grandchildren and often said that grandchildren made growing older “worth it!”. Meschelle, Nicholas, Sophia, Christian, Gabriel, and Stephanos will all miss their “Papou” greatly. He was proud of having two great grandchildren – Anastasia and Nicholas. He is also survived by his sisters Angela, Christine, and Eva. His brother Paul is pre-deceased.

He thoroughly enjoyed his extended family of nieces, nephews, and godchildren, as well as the many close friends he made over the years throughout the world and here in the Orlando/Central Florida area.

Funeral arrangements are being made by Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home. Viewing services will be held Tuesday, October 27 at 6:00pm and funeral services on October 28 at 10:00am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Maitland (407-331-4687). The internment will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Following the internment, the makaria (mercy meal) will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church’s Agápe Ballroom.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos Society.