Spiro C. "Spike" Gokas

1933 - 2011

NEWPORT - Spiro Charles "Spike" Gokas, 78, of Luxury Drive, died May 4, 2011, in Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center following a battle with cancer.
He was born in Newport Dec. 1, 1933, the son of the late Charles S. and Kitsa (Psirras) Gokas. Raised and educated in Newport, he graduated from Towle High School in the Class of 1950. He attended Middlebury College, majoring in political science, and received his BA in 1954.
He served in Germany with the U.S. Army.
Upon his return, Mr. Gokas taught citizenship education, U.S. and world history at Middleburgh Central High School in Middleburgh, N.Y. for six years and completed his Masters in American History at the State University of New York at Albany.
For 32 years he taught American history and western civilization at Springfield High School in Springfield, Vt., and also served as the director of guidance and school counselor until his retirement in 1995.
The family includes his partner of 35 years, Pennie Armstrong of Plainfield; two sisters, Dolly and Van Gokas, both of Newport; a niece; and a nephew.
He was predeceased by a brother and sister, Arthur Gokas and Bessie Papageorge.
.
SERVICES: Calling hours will be Sunday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home, 42 Main St., Newport.
Funeral services will be Monday, at 10 a.m., at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, Newport. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Newport.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 145 Winter St., Newport 03773.
For more information or to send a condolence, visit the Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home at www.newtonbartlett.com.