Nicholas T. Teknos

Nicholas Teknos, a man of great faith, love and service to others, passed away peacefully to his eternal home on September 8, 2025 (one month short of his 99th birthday!). He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Penelope, and was the beloved father of Theodoros (Kari) and Athanasios (Julie). Adoring grandfather of Nicholas, Katerina, Elizabeth, Julia, John, Peter, Niko, Evangelina and Aristides. Dear brother to his sister Hariklia and deceased brothers, Konstantinos, Georgios and Dimitrios. Cherished uncle to numerous nephews and nieces both in the United States and Greece.

Nicholas' incredible life journey began in the small mountainous village of Daphne, Greece. As the oldest of eight children (5 of whom survived to adulthood), he selflessly dedicated his life to caring for his family. Despite his brilliance and a prestigious call to formation in an Orthodox Seminary, he was forced to abandon his formal education following the 6th grade, to support his family. He farmed, planted countless acres of olive trees and vineyards that continue to support his extended family to this very day. At the age of 18, he entered the Greek Army and fought in the post-World War II Greek Civil War, successfully defending his country from the invading Communist forces. Following the war and due to persistent famine and economic depression, his family sent him penniless to the United States in 1955. Upon immigrating to Detroit, he found employment both at General Motors and numerous restaurants remitting his entire salary to support his family and create a dowry for his sister. During his first eight years, Nicholas lived, then managed a Boarding House in Detroit where he helped countless Greek immigrants acclimate to their lives in the New World.

His greatest achievements, however, began in 1964 when he married the love of his life, Penelope Markellos. Together, they built a remarkable life full of love, faith, leadership and selfless dedication to family, friends and community. Through sacrifice, hard work and ingenuity, they provided their children, Theodoros and Athanasios, with unrelenting support for all their endeavors including world class educations which allowed them to become a surgeon and mechanical engineer, respectively.

Following 38 years of dedicated service, Nicholas retired from General Motors after proudly being promoted to the rank of journeyman welder. He also served his church as a chanter for 50 years. One of his proudest moments occurred in January 2022 when he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the St. Nicholas Parish. Most importantly, Nicholas lived for his grandchildren, spoiling them with unconditional love, limitless amounts of candy and memories to last a lifetime.

We celebrate the life of a great man, who gave so much to the world and embodied the "Greatest Generation". Nicholas made the most of his talents and will surely be welcomed to his eternal home with the words: "Well done, good and faithful servant".

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 11th from 5-8pm at AJ Desmond and Sons Funeral Home 2600 Crooks Rd., Troy MI (248-362-2500). Trisagion at 6pm.

The Funeral service will take place at 10am, Friday September 12th, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 760 W. Wattles Rd., Troy MI. Visitation at the church will begin at 9am. Services will be streamed on line at www.stnicholastroy.org.

Memorial tributes can be made in honor of Nicholas Teknos to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.

Lovingly submitted by Nicholas Teknos' family