Nick G. Panos

Nick G. Panos Before Starbucks and McDonalds, there was the Panos New York lunch at W. 38th and Washington where the coffee brewed strong like the conversation and the eggs were fresh like the news of the day. Nearly 45 years ago, beneath its neon-bordered rooftop mounted coffee cup, Erie’s first round-the-clock diner showcases one of its most colorful restaurateurs, “Nick the Greek” Panos. Juggling the roles of host and cook, Nick’s colorful banter behind the lunch counter entertained countless customers who waited in line for their hamburgers “to go”, smothered with that special tasty Greek chili sauce â€" six for one dollar. A cup of coffee cost a dime and breakfast was served at any time while the juke box belted out Patsy Cline and The Beatles. Young and old were welcome to sit at his counter, regardless of race, color or creed. Janitors and judges alike filled the booths at noon. Generations of customers crossing that threshold developed into lifelong friends. “A clean place with good food at a good price” makes for a great restaurant, Nick often said. Today, a coffee cup goes empty and the brightly-lit Corinthian columns lining the entrances of Greek-American restaurants across America have dimmed in memory of Nick G. Panos who died of cancer on Sunday, November 5, 2006 at age 78. He was born in Sewickley, Pa. on January 5, 1928 to the late George and Florence Panos originally of Crete, Greece. Having moved to Erie from New Kensington, Pa. in 1946, Nick bought and operated “Nick’s Shoeshine Parlor” at 11th & State St. where he blocked and cleaned hats before entering the restaurant business after an apprenticeship at the Erie Restaurant. The Cretan Diner at W. 26th St. and Brown Ave. launched his career followed by the New York Lunch at 18th & State, Panos New York Lunch at 38th St., Jim & Lee’s Restaurant, The Grecian Key, Papa Nick’s and most recently, The Greeks. Among his business ventures, he owned Panos Vending Company in the sixties. Nick was founder and past-president of the local chapter of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) and a member of the Erie Maennerchor Club. He was a former member of the Southwest Erie Lion’s Club and past member of the Parish Council of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. Active in both Democratic and Republican party politics, he was once a locally-elected Republican committeeman. He was the first motorcycle police officer at Presque Isle State Park. Nick was a World War II veteran of the U.S Army having served on the USAT Goucher Victory Medical Ship where he escorted war brides from England to the States. He was also a light, heavyweight boxer on the USAT Arcadia. His passion for boxing continued in life in addition to poker, bingo and crossword puzzles. Nick is survived by his wife of 24 years, Mary Lou Panos; He was the father of sons George Panos (Kim) of Morgan Hill, Calif., Emanuel Panos (Angela) and John Panos (Christine), all of Pittsburgh; He is also survived by brother Angelo Panos (June) of Erie; Stepchildren Ann Schultz (Richard) of Edinboro, Leslie Clifton and John Clifton (Mary Beth), all of Erie, Sister-in-law, Diana Healy, and nine grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters Sophie Kutulakis, Mary Sarris and Katherine Vasilakis. Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., West, 536 W. 10th St. on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend the funeral service there on Friday at 11 a.m. conducted by The Very Rev. Father Ronald Hazuda. Interment, Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice A Trisagion Service will be held at the funeral home Thursday at 8 p.m. To send condolences, visit www.dusckasfuneralhome.net. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.