Monday, April 14, 2008

Nick J. Nikas, 84, a retired Army colonel, died March 15 at Inova Fairfax Hospital of complications from a fall in his Vienna home.

Col. Nikas, a veteran of three wars, retired from the Pentagon in 1975. He had worked in the Office of the Chief of Staff. He then joined Systems Development Corp. as a systems engineer and later worked for BDM Engineering Services in McLean, retiring a second time in 1988.

He was born in Canonsburg, Pa., and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. He later received two master's degrees: one in teaching from American University in 1972 and another in systems management from George Washington University in 1975.

He served in World War II as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars. He also served in Austria, Japan, Greece and Germany. Col. Nikas was inducted into the Infantry Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame in Fort Benning, Ga.

Among his military awards were three Legions of Merit and two Bronze Stars.

He was a member of St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, AHEPA Chapter 432, the Army Navy Club and the Military Officers Association of America.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Nadia Nikas of Vienna; and two children, Victoria Ross of Dallas and Nick Nikas Jr. of Front Royal.

-- Patricia Sullivan