Final Salute

NICKOLAS JERRY KOUTAVAS
Age 95, born to life and born to eternal life on the same day, August 5,1926 – August 5,2021. Born in East Pittsburgh and raised in Turtle Creek, PA., he resided in Pittsburgh (Forest Hills), PA. for 60 years and most recently spent his “retirement” years in Jacksonville Fl. Preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Mary Koutavas, sister Freda Pappas, brother-in-law Dr. Nicholas Pappas, brother George, brother Dennis, and brother-in-law James Mitchell. Nick is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Despina, son Gerald and wife Diane, daughter Maria and husband Bill Pappas, son Mark and wife Celeste. Blessed with six grandchildren, Nickolas and Giordana Koutavas, Ryan Pappas (wife Samantha), Desiree Castle (husband Kyle), Zoe and Sophia Koutavas, double blessed with three great-grandchildren, Sophia and Theodore Pappas, and Wade Castle, Sister Angela Mitchell, Sister-in-law Ann Koutavas, as well as many nieces and nephews. Nick always said he was so blessed to not only see his children’s children, but also to have seen his great grandchildren. This was life’s greatest success to him.
Nick, a man of great faith, was a lifelong member of “Ypapanti” (Presentation of Christ Greek Orthodox Church), where he served on the church board, sang in the choir, and used his money handling expertise to count the revenue from their annual Greek Food Festival. As a member of the church Yiasou club, he relished the trips they would take not just for the places they would visit, but mostly because he and his wife Despina were with friends. Nick loved all people, and all who met Nick, loved him even more. Everyone who spoke about Nick always mentioned how kind, calm, and happy he was. Nick always had a smile on his face which inevitably made those around him smile as well. If the world would be as non-judgmental as Nick was, earth would become heaven. Never without a story, his knowledge was vast when it came to the bible, history, Pittsburgh sports teams, and facts about too many subjects to list. His stories would captivate all who listened. His ultimate trip he loved talking about was when he and his wife visited the holy lands while in their 80’s with a church group. It brought so much of what he had read in the bible up close and personal.
After graduating from Turtle Creek High School, Nick was drafted and reported for duty on 11-1-44 by the U.S. Navy (Seabees), earning a ranking of Petty Officer Third Class, having received the WWII Asiatic- Pacific Theater Ribbon, the WWII American Theater Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Medal. Upon being discharged he enlisted in the Naval Reserve and went on to complete his Associate Degree in Business at Penn Tech Business College. Nick then ran his family’s business “The Coney Island” in Turtle Creek, PA. After eminent domain actions to build a highway eliminated much of Turtle Creek’s businesses, Nick managed several departments at Pittsburgh Hospital and later worked at Latrobe Area Hospital. During this entire time Nick began a then part time position in 1969 as a teller at The Meadows Harness Racing Track. This turned out to become not only a full-time job, but one that he truly loved and cherished. Nick worked through multiple ownership changes, always remaining dedicated to his job. He ultimately retired from the Meadows Racetrack & Casino after 46 years at the age of 88. He loved the people and the excitement of the track/casino environment, especially meeting entertainment and sport celebrities. He used to smile because he had witnessed generation after generation of families going there. Several times Nick received awards as employee of the year and employee of the month. One such award that he could not wait to tell his wife was when he won a fully paid trip for two to Toronto that included first class accommodations, top restaurant dinners, and theatre tickets. Nick touched so many people in his life, in so many positive and diverse ways that we can truly say he completed his purpose on earth. His memory will certainly be eternal.
A Trisagion (abbreviated memorial service) will take place on Tuesday August 17, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. at St. John Divine Greek Orthodox Church located at 12760 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL. 32246.
The Funeral service will take place at The Presentation of Christ Greek Orthodox Church located at 1672 Electric Ave, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112 on August 25, 2021. Calling hours begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A Makaria (Mercy Meal) will begin at the church hall after the burial service at Monongahela Cemetery in Braddock Hills, PA.
The family suggest that memorial contributions be made to St. John Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Jacksonville, FL. or Presentation of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in East Pittsburgh, PA.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.
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