Niko Yankoglu

1925 - 2021

Niko Yankoglu
June 17, 1925 - May 24, 2021
Raleigh, North Carolina - Yankoglu, Niko Konstantin, age 95 of Raleigh, NC passed away peacefully on May 24, 2021. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey to the late Konstantinos and Elpiniki Katsikopoulou Yankoglu. He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Stella Virginia Kapordelis.
Niko came to America in 1950 to study textiles at NC State University. Six months before graduation, he met his future wife on a blind date, proposed that night, and was married immediately following graduation. They moved to Kentucky where he proceeded to earn a Masters of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1954. He spoke five languages and loved to write everything on index cards. Niko worked for many years for Dupont in Wilmington, DE where he was instrumental in developing two-part epoxy. He also worked for IBM for 30 years and was able to return to Raleigh with them.
Niko always put his family first. His three sons and two granddaughters were always in his thoughts. His fondest memory was taking Stella to Italy/Greece after retirement. He was a Greek Orthodox Church psaltes (chanter) and known to chant hymns any time. He enjoyed playing chess with his sons and following the stock market.
Niko is survived by sons Charlie Yankoglu of Hoboken, NJ, John Yankoglu (Donna) of Charlotte, NC, Basil Yankoglu (Sonya) of Raleigh, and granddaughters Alex and Andie Yankoglu. He is also survived by his brother Vasilios Yankoglu and niece Niki Yankoglu of Athens, Greece.
The family wishes to express gratitude for the kind and caring staff of The Laurels of Forest Glen. A private family memorial will be conducted later this summer.