NICHOLAS GIANOULIS

Nicholas R. Gianoulis

Mr. Nicholas R. Gianoulis, beloved husband, father and grandfather, graduate of Salesianum and founder of United Electric Supply, died Tuesday, March 3, 2009 of pneumonia at his home in Stonegates, Greenville, DE.

Nick was born in New York City, NY on May 10, 1930, son of the late Peter and Colombe (Gareau) Gianoulis. He and his sister, Marina, spent their early years in New York, including four years on their grandparents' farm in Albany. The Gianoulis family moved to Delaware in 1940 and all worked in the family restaurant. Nick was a member of the class of 1949 at Salesianum and he met his future wife, Dolly Winnington, at a Salesianum - St. Elizabeth's dance. He went on to study at La Salle College in Philadelphia, participated in Navy ROTC and graduated in 1953, the year he and Dolly married. The Navy Ensign and his wife were stationed in Bayonne, New Jersey and later in Portsmouth, Virginia, where Nick was the supply officer. Returning to Delaware, he entered the electrical wholesaling business and started his own company, United Electric Supply in 1972 with just three employees. Nick became known nationally in his industry for award winning customer service. He served on the National Association of Electrical Distributors Board of Directors as Eastern Regional Vice President in 1985 and was awarded the NAED distinguished service award in 1993. He also won the 1995 Delaware State Chamber of Superstars in Business Award. The following year, Nick retired, selling United Electric Supply back to the employees who helped him build the company across five states, with sixteen locations and 300 employees. In retirement, Nick and Dolly spent their winters at their home in Provodenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, traveled extensively and enjoyed their six grandchildren while also welcoming three step grandchildren into the Gianoulis family. He was also an avid health enthusiast, enjoying running and tennis.

Nick is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dolores "Dolly" Winnington Gianoulis; his son, Nick Gianoulis and his three daughters, Alexis, Ashley and Alyssa of Kennett Square and Philadelphia, PA; his daughter, Diane Gianoulis Krapf and her husband, Dan and their son, Jimmy of Greenville, DE, their son Danny of Wilmington, DE and their daughter, Sally of Walnut Creek, CA; his daughter, Donna Gianoulis Van Every and her husband, Brad and their son, Alex of Oakland, CA; his daughter, Deborah Gianoulis Heald and her husband, David and their daughter, Laura of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and their son, John of San Clemente, CA; his sister, Marina Gianoulis Tarlov and her husband, Jay of Greenville, DE; his nephew, Edward Tarlov and his wife, Judy and their children, Ben and Ann of Wilmington, DE; and his nephew, Michael Tarlov and his wife, Yvette and their children, Sam and Sophie of Bethesda, MD.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ann's Church, Gilpin Avenue and N. Union Street, Wilmington on Saturday, March 7 at 10am. Interment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery. Family and friends may visit at the DOHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 3200 Limestone Rd., Pike Creek on Friday, March 6 from 5-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Nick to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Rd., Newark, DE 19713 or Salesianum School, 1801 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE 19802.

To offer online condolences,

please visit

www.dohertyfh.com

302-999-8277