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1934 - 2020

BORN

1934

DIED

2020

About

Columbia University

SOCRATES NICHOLAS Obituary

NICHOLAS--Socrates. Born July 11, 1934, Socrates Nicholas died on October 19, 2020, in Manhattan of complications from heart surgery. Self-described as a poor boy from Brooklyn, Socrates was the son of Greek immigrants, Marina and Louis Nicholas. He spent his childhood working long hours after school, on weekends and holidays in his parents' florist shop with his brother, Theodore, who predeceased him. His intelligence and perseverance overcame all obstacles; his drive for education led him to Columbia University where he received a BA (1956) and later a PhD. He founded his own firm, Nicholas Research Associates International, Inc. which pioneered qualitative market research and provided services for Fortune 500 companies for decades. Socrates was a member of the 1754 Society of Columbia University and served on the University's board for five years. He had a deep concern for social justice and education reform, serving as a Life Trustee of Oliver Scholars. He was a passionate lover of theater and music, particularly the opera, and for 25 years served on the Advisory Board of the Metropolitan Opera. Socrates was warm, witty, firm of opinion, as generous as it was possible to be, and his presence could fill a room. Friends reflect that knowing Socrates had an impact on their lives. His greatest love was his spouse, Gerard Bell, with whom he spent 42 wonderful years, enjoying Perfect Rob Roys in their homes in NYC and Connecticut, traveling the world, entertaining their friends, making sure that everyone was having a good time. Socrates was delighted to cast his Absentee Ballot for Joe Biden. Contributions in his memory should be directed to any Democrat in a difficult race in the upcoming election.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Oct. 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for SOCRATES NICHOLAS

20 Entries

SUZANNE LABELLA

December 17, 2024

Socrates' wit, intelligence and kindness were aspirational. I was so lucky to know him and to learn from him. It was fun. Thinking of you Gerry.

Christian Nicholas

October 15, 2024

Socrates Nicholas and his brother Theodore Nicholas will never be forgotten. My sincere sympathies to Gerry Bell, all relatives and friends.

Enid Zuckerman

October 16, 2023

Miss seeing you. Your humor your presence.
Rest in Peace
Love. Enid Zuckerman. Canyon Ranch

Denise Hidalgo

March 1, 2022

Gerry, my deepest condolences. Can´t believe this happened during the lost years of lockdown! So sorry we have been out of touch for so long. My fondest regards to you, Denise

Leonard Wolfe

December 26, 2020

I met Socrates in 1952 when we were both freshmen at Columbia. And from that early time until our last meeting several years ago, he remained the same - a gentle, warm and compassionate friend.

My wife Ruth met him shortly after she and I married in 1959 and with me always looked forward to, and thoroughly enjoyed, those times we spent with him and Gerry at the opera, at dinner in New York, at political events at their beautiful home in Connecticut or at Columbia alumni events.

We, and all who knew him, lave lost a very special person in our lives.

Karen Brooks Hopkins

November 18, 2020

Socrates had an amazing life force. He loved opera and we were grateful to have him and Gerry as supporters of BAM for many years. Rest in peace, old friend.

Barbara Henry

November 7, 2020

The pleasure of bumping into Socrates in our small CT community always left me with a smile on my face and an uplifted feeling. He was such a sweet, gentle giant, I loved seeing him and Gerry and that Rolls in the market parking lot! He'd always ask how I was doing and if everything was ok. And most times he'd be sure to throw a compliment my way and tell me what a wonderful job he thought I was doing. And that in itself was amazing being the Town's Republican leader! Small town politics are very different than the big stage; I consider all of us a large family. How lucky we are to have had Socrates and Gerry as part of our family. I'll remember Socrates with much fondness and be there for Gerry if needed.
Barbara Henry
First Selectman

Kiki Alexandri

November 1, 2020

Socrates was an open-minded, cultivated man. Simple with his relatives, showing them endless love. We will always remember the joy in his eyes whenever we met. The laughs we had and his enthusiasm for simple meals that reminded him of his mother. The news off his passing shocked us and saddened us. We will miss him. Gerry you have our deepest condolences. We know that his death is a great loss for you. If you ever like to visit us again, we will be very happy.

October 29, 2020

Socrates was a wonderful human being. He will live in our hearts forever. Rest in peace dear friend.

J&K Malinowski

Mandy Volika- Andros Island-Greece

October 28, 2020

Back in the 2000s I met a handsome, witty man with his brother in Athens and helped them find some official documents about their parents' past. One of them was Socrates.That was the only time we have met. I remember very well his passion for an elegant lifestyle and also his desire to acchieve his goals! I am very sorry for this loss!My mother is a cousin of his. She was shocked by the event!!Dear Jerry, although we have never met, please accept our sincere and deepest condolences and we truely hope we meet sometime!

Louis Nicholas

October 27, 2020

Socrates was my father's first cousin. He taught me to question authority. That was his greatest gift to me. He was a wonderful host. Most of my time with him was in my youth having delicious meals and interesting conversations. I regret that I lost contact with him the past 22 years. I had been thinking of him this past year. Tried to call him, and now he's gone. It shocked me. My condolences to you Jerry. We will all miss him.

Danielle Moss

Planted Trees

Enid&Mel Zuckerman

October 26, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Rebecca Jacobs

October 25, 2020

My late father Arthur's obituary ran under Socrates' today in the New York Times. As a fellow "boy from Brooklyn," lifelong lover of the arts and Democrat, he would have appreciated being in such fine company. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences for your loss. We will make a contribution to a tight Dem race in Socrates' memory today.

Simone Taylor

October 24, 2020

Please except my deepest sympathies as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of God, family and friends.

Christian Elias Nicholas

October 23, 2020

Socrates had a very good-hearted, cheerful and convincing personality. He was brilliant and steadfast in his convictions. Perhaps my late father and he will meet again. Then the brothers will tell each other many stories and laugh even more. Socrates and Theodore will never be forgotten. Our sympathies are with Gerry in this very difficult time. In loving memory,

Christian Elias Nicholas and Family

Susan Recarey

October 23, 2020

I only met Socrates once was in Germany for a dear mutual friend’s Birthday. It was a wonderful time and Socrates was so warm and welcoming to everyone there. He was easy to talk to and entertaining in his stories. I was saddened to hear of his passing

Georgia Chatzinikolaou

October 21, 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbfnzAbNp_A
, ...

Patrick Daughtry

October 21, 2020

One of the nicest people I have ever known and my thoughts are with Gerard during this most difficult time. He was so very generous with his time and friendship and absolutely generous to the arts and education organizations of New York.