Dr. Nicholas B. Argerson

Dr. Nicholas Basil Argerson

January 16, 1929 – January 20, 2026

Nicholas Basil Argerson, DMD, DDS, FAAPD, 97, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, surrounded by family he loved so deeply. He was the devoted husband of Diane (Dionysia) Argerson; the loving father of Basil, Michelle (Nicholas), Dennis (Dena), and Ekaterini, and of the late John and Mariann; and the cherished Pappou of Nicholas and Mariann. He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews in the United States and Greece.

Nicholas was born on January 16, 1929, in Vrahneika, Patras, Greece, to Vasilios and Maria (Papoulias) Argyropoulos. The second youngest of eight children, he proudly served in the Greek Navy while attending the University of Athens, where he completed his medical and dental education, graduating at the top of his class. He returned to Vrahneika to open his dental practice, where he served his community. On August 13, 1956, he met the love of his life, Diane Grekas; they married on September 23, 1956 in Athens, Greece. Following their honeymoon in Rhodes, Nicholas and Diane began their life together in the United States, first settling in Chicago, Illinois. They later moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where Nicholas continued his education and served as a Fellow in Pedodontics at the University of Alabama Dental School and conducted fluoride research for Colgate at the Talladega School for the Deaf and Blind-where, memorably, he learned to drive with the help of one of his deaf students.

In 1958, the couple moved to Kansas City, Missouri, for Nicholas to attend the University of Missouri School of Dentistry where he received a degree in Graduate Pedodontics in 1959. After he completed his studies, Nicholas accepted a teaching position at Georgetown University School of Dentistry, where he began his long and distinguished teaching career, eventually retiring as Professor Emeritus. The couple and their first two sons relocated to Arlington, Virginia in 1961. While they were expecting their third child, Michelle, they moved to Annandale, Virginia in 1962, welcoming their children Dennis, Mariann, and Ekaterini in the years that followed.

Family was the center of Nicholas's life. He treasured everyday moments, Sunday outings to Burke Lake Park, and cherished vacations to Greece and Florida. In 1975, Nicholas and Diane settled in Great Falls, Virginia, where they built their dream home-a joyous place that became the gathering point for countless holidays, celebrations, and lifelong memories. Known for his gracious hospitality, Nicholas was often seen hosting in his signature red "smoking" jacket or manning the grill at summer barbecues. Many family friends fondly recall the warmth and joy of time spent in the Argerson home.

A pioneer in his profession, in 1962 Dr. Argerson attained status as a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, becoming the first pediatric dentist in the Commonwealth of Virginia to receive this honor. At the time, fewer than 50 dentists nationwide held this distinction. That same year, he opened his private practice in Falls Church, later establishing his permanent office on Sleepy Hollow Road. Known for his exceptional skill, compassion, and integrity, he cared for generations of families who trusted him implicitly with their children. At Georgetown University Dental School, where he taught from 1961 until its closing in 1990, he was a trusted mentor who helped launch the careers of many young dentists. Nicholas was an member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society, and a lifelong member of the American Dental Association, American Board of Pedodontics, Virginia Dental Association and the Northern Virginia Dental Society.

Nicholas's Greek Orthodox faith was the foundation of his life. A founding member of St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, he served his parish tirelessly-as Parish Council President, as a Cantor for 43 years, and as a devoted volunteer. In 1963, he played a key role in both the construction of the Community Center (now known as the Chelpon Center) where church services were held, and later the current church, completed in 1969. He proudly chaired the Church Festival on multiple occasions and was a familiar presence at the gyro and souvlaki booth, welcoming all and joyfully sharing his faith and heritage. He took great pride in his children's active involvement in church life, from Sunday School, Greek School and GOYA to acolyte service and athletics.

Nearly every summer, Nicholas returned to Greece to be with his family in Vrahneika, a place that brought him profound peace. He loved walking along the beach to buy fresh fish and grilling it at home by the sea. Known affectionately as he was the beloved patriarch of the Argyropoulos family, warmly welcomed and dearly loved by his many nieces and nephews. His final visit to Greece in 2022 remained especially meaningful.

Nicholas was preceded in death by his son John, his daughter Mariann, his parents, and his siblings: Panayiotis, Ioannis, Giorgios, Alexios, Antonis, Lemonia, and Ekaterini.

May his memory be eternal and may God grant him rest among the righteous. Though we mourn his passing, we find comfort knowing he is reunited with our Lord and all those who have gone before him. We are forever grateful for 97 years of love, guidance, and cherished memories that will bind us together always.

Funeral Services

Thursday, January 29, 2026

St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church

3149 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, VA

• Visitation: 11:00 a.m.

• Funeral Service: 12:00 p.m.

• Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, 401 North Roosevelt Street, Falls Church, VA

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nicholas's memory to the St. Katherine's Ladies Philoptochos Society or The Children's Agape Foundation, PO Box 341881, Bethesda, MD 20827 or for online donations - Agapefoundationdc.org (Home - The Children's AGAPE Foundation). These charitable organizations reflect his lifelong commitment to faith, service, and community.