Nicholas Nicholas

Nicholas C. Nicholas, PhD, a man of endless curiosity, a love of learning and passion for science, history, music and athletics, passed away on February 20, 2026 surrounded by his loving wife, children, and sister.

He was the devoted husband and partner of 65 years to Theodora (Teddy) Nicholas. Together, they shared a love for family, music, the arts and travel. They built lasting friendships wherever they settled and fostered especially strong communities in Silver Spring, MD, and State College, PA. They were long term members at both the Baltimore Opera Company and the Washington National Opera. For many years, they hosted "St. Nicholas Day" parties that neighbors looked forward to and keenly enjoyed.

He was dearly loved by his four children, Christos (Maria), Andreas (Staci), Alex (Kelley), and Eva (Adam), and was an extremely proud grandfather to nine: Nicholas, Mackenzie, Theodora, Aidan, Aeneas, Spiros, Loukas, Helena and Alexandros. He was an enthusiastic and vocal supporter of his children's activities and cherished every opportunity to enjoy his grandchildren's endeavors on the field, stage, page and canvas.

He was also a prominent and admired member of his extended family. His father, Christos Nicholas (Gialouris) left Cyprus and came through Ellis Island in the early 1900's and his mother, Virginia Trahanis, arrived a few years later from Corinth. They married in 1935 in Pittsburgh, PA and Nick was born the following year. As a boy, he spent hours in his parents' candy shop / restaurant which he called "a crash course in human nature". He was very close with sister, Barbara Milton and her husband Gene, his sister-in-law Andrea Zavageand her husband Jerry, and his brother-in-law Anthony Potousand his wife Alexandra. He was a spirited and lively uncle to Stephanie Potous-Eaker (Jack), Kristina Staab, Martha Sklavos(Peter), Michelle Zavage(Michael Nemeth) and Andrew Zavage(Samantha Maryak).

A lifelong athlete, he played semi-professional football, earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, and was known locally as a talented slugger and catcher. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon) where he was an enthusiastic member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. He earned his Master's Degree at Drexel University, and his PhD in Physics from Catholic University under the tutelage of Dr. Herbert Uberall.

Early in his career, he served as the engineering officer for the first simulated Apollo flight. After being fitted for a pressure suit and undergoing extensive training, he spent eight days in a capsule performing the tasks required for a simulated flight to the moon.

Throughout his professional life, he worked on a wide range of projects. His experimental work included thin film physics, radar and acoustic signal measurements, and laser interactions with matter. His work also involved operational analyses, including sea trials and field exercises, which required him to ride submarines, ships, tanks and military aircraft. He holds numerous patents for inventions, including a novel security technology still in use at State College Airport.

He was a valued educator as well. Recognized as an expert in underwater acoustics, he instructed generations of sailors and submarine service members. He also held positions at Morgan State University, George Washington University, the U.S. Navy War College, the U.S. Army War College and Penn State University, teaching Physics and Mathematics. His career took him across the globe, with substantial periods spent in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and Western Europe. This included collaboration with senior government officials in Ukraine and Saudi Arabia as well as Anwar Sadat and his administration in Egypt.

He loved his country and was proud of his Greek heritage. He was a fighter to the end. He truly loved the life he had been given and only regretted that he couldn't stay longer.

Friends will be received from 5:00-7:00pm, Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College, PA.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 2:00pm in the Greek Orthodox Cemetery; Chapel of the Holy Resurrection, 5917 Windsor Mill Rd, Baltimore, MD.

Nicholas will be laid to rest following the service.

Memorial contributions in remembrance of Nicholas may be made to the Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss at: https://childrenwithhearingloss.org.