Nickolas Pekatos

Pekatos

Nickolas Pekatos

In Loving Memory of Nickolas Pekatos

August 22, 1933 - September 26, 2023

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nickolas Pekatos, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He passed away peacefully on September 26, 2023, at the age of 90.

Nickolas was born on August 22, 1933, in pre-war Kefalonia, Greece, a place that held a special place in his heart throughout his life. His early years were marked by the tumultuous events of World War II and the Greek Civil War. During this time he completed his education, displaying the resilience and determination that would become hallmarks of his character. He became a director and counselor at a boys' town and camp for war-orphaned children, where he first crossed paths with the love of his life, Alexandra Elefantis, who would become his partner in building a life together filled with love and compassion.

In 1953, tragedy struck Kefalonia when a major earthquake devastated the island. As a result, Nickolas received a visa and in 1955, made his journey to the United States. In 1956, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served with distinction, including deployments during the Beirut, Lebanon crisis and the Cuban Missile Crisis. It was during this time that he returned to Greece to marry Alexandra. They welcomed their first son, Spero, while stationed in West Germany. Their family grew in 1964 when their second son, James, was born. James was later diagnosed with autism. Nickolas and Alexandra demonstrated boundless love and care in providing for him.

In 1964, Nickolas left the U.S. Army and started an upholstery business in Alexandria, Virginia, originally named Devaris Upholstery, which was later renamed Devaris Fabrics. Nickolas was a successful businessman, providing for his wife and children and his parents in Greece. He was an active member of the Greek AHEPA organization and a dedicated supporter of Cephalonian Global initiatives. His commitment to preserving his Greek heritage and contributing to the community was unwavering.

Throughout the years, Nickolas and Alexandra enjoyed the tradition of returning to Greece every summer for vacation since 1973. In 2011, Nickolas Pekatos retired and sold his successful business. In 2021, his heart was broken when his beloved wife of 63 years passed away.

Nickolas Pekatos will be forever remembered and cherished by his loving sons, Spero and James; his daughter-in-law, Lucy; and his grandchildren, Christine Marie, Alexandra Mary, and Nicholas John.

A viewing to celebrate Nickolas Pekatos's life will be held at 4 to 8 p.m. on October 8, 2023, at Everly-Wheatley, 1500 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the National Autism Association or Saint Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church Virginia. He will be buried in his home village of Potamianata, Kefalinia Greece.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory be a blessing to us all.