John F. Nicholas

John Frank Nicholas, 82, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, formerly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, died September 7, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 27, 1929, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, John was the first child of the late Frank and Zemboulia (Papanicolaou) Nicholas. John is survived by his wife, Ferrell (Faye), nee Ball; three daughters, Sherri L. Nicholas, Tanya L. Nicholas, and Lisa C. Nicholas and her husband, John S. Murphy; and granddaughter Nicole White. John is also survived by a sister, Jean N. Maragos and Peter (husband), and two brothers, Nick F. Nicholas and Sophie (wife), and, Steve C. Nicholas and Patricia (wife); nieces, Stephanie Kaldes and William (husband), Cassandra Ghinos and Plato (husband), Terese Grant and James (husband), Jordonna Maragos and Christina L. Nicholas; a nephew, Drake Nicholas; and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. John was a graduate of the John Harris High School Class of 1947 in Harrisburg, PA, and attended the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. John and his brother, Nick, partnered in two Harrisburg, PA-based restaurant landmarks, the Little Ritz Café and the Harris House Tavern. John and Nick, along with George W. Gekas and George P. Wood were founders of the NIWOGE Corporation Think Tank, a long time and successful Harrisburg financial investment institution. In his spare time, John, a left hander, also was a forward on the Sons of Pericles Zephyrs' Basketball team, and enjoyed archery, tennis and playing golf (from the right side). John was a Steward of the St. Katherine Orthodox Church in Melbourne, Florida, and also a Steward of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Camp Hill, PA. John served his Church in many capacities, including a term as Parish Council President and co-chairman of the Building Committee from 1967 to 1970, when Holy Trinity relocated from Harrisburg, PA, to Camp Hill, PA. John was a 60-year Life Member the Order of AHEPA, Chapter No. 64, serving four terms as Chapter President and numerous terms in other elected offices. John served a term in 1960 as AHEPA District Governor of Power District No. 4. He also served dutifully as chaplain of the Space Coast Chapter 401 of AHEPA in Melbourne, FL. A viewing/visitation will be held at the Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home, 5400 Village Drive, Viera, Florida, on Monday, September 12, 2011, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at 10 a.m.