Nikos (Nick) Nicholas, 96, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, died on October 10, 2026. Born May 21, 1930, in Harrisburg, Nick was one of four children born to Frank Nicholas and Zemboulia (Papanikolaou) Nicholas.
He was preceded in death by Sophie Nicholas, his loving wife of 72 years; his parents; and his older brother, John Nicholas.
He is survived by his two younger siblings, Jean Maragos and Steve Nicholas; his three children, Stephanie Kaldes (William), Drake Nicholas (Jan), and Terese Grant (James); five grandchildren, Jennifer Solomon (Eric), Jessica Kaldes, Taylor Nicholas (Libby), Alexa Regan (Seth), and Elizabeth Rawitz (Alex); and four great-grandchildren, Kasey Solomon, Troy Solomon, Rory Nicholas, and Graham Nicholas.
Nick began working at an early age. He was a paperboy selling The Evening News from a stand in Harrisburg’s city square. He later worked as a delivery boy for Isaacman’s Grocery Store and then at Pennsylvania Press, where he learned typesetting and worked in the print shop. During World War II, Nick also served as an air raid messenger, delivering messages on foot from warden to warden during blackouts.
Nick served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and received the National Defense Service Medal. While serving aboard ship, he worked in the communications print shop and was granted Top Secret security clearance in connection with his duties.
Following his discharge from the Navy in 1954, Nick returned to Harrisburg and joined his brother John in the restaurant business. Together, they owned and operated the Little Ritz Café and Harris House Tavern until Nick’s retirement. Never one to remain idle, Nick later returned to his printing roots and worked in the print shop for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Nick and his family were founding members of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Harrisburg. His faith and church community remained an important part of his life. He served on the parish council for 34 years and could always be found working at the church’s annual Greek Fest. On Sundays, he faithfully attended services, usually from his favorite pew. Nick was awarded the St. Paul Medal by Archbishop Iakovos of America for his service to his church. He was also a longtime member of the Order of AHEPA (75 years), The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Pennsylvania Masons.
The Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1000 Yverdon Drive, Camp Hill. Burial will be in East Harrisburg Cemetery. A viewing will be from 9:30 AM Wednesday until the time of the service at the Cathedral.
Memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
