Fanis Nicopoulos

Fanis Nicopoulos, a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather passed away at home on Wednesday, August 7th with his family around him. He was 90.

Born on January 20, 1934 in the small Greek village of Voutsaras, Ioannina, to his parents Christos and Eleni Nicopoulos, Fanis grew up during World War II in his village through difficult times.

In 1948, Fanis immigrated to the United States where he played football and finished high school at Dobbins Tech. It was during that time that Fanis participated in the Penn Relays as well. After graduation, Fanis furthered his training in printing and eventually worked at Dunlap Printing in Philadelphia.

Fanis served in Korea for two years before returning to Philadelphia before he dated and married Alexandra Nicolaou. The two first had met years prior at a school in Philadelphia where they learned English in a classroom together after immigrating to the United States.

Together, Fanis and Alexandra became actively involved with St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church on 59th and Larchwood Avenue in Philadelphia. Eventually, the newly married couple served on the building committee for a new church location for St Demetrios on Powell Lane in Upper Darby that is still active today.

In 1964, Alexandra was struck by a car and was determined by doctors to likely pass away. Fanis never lost faith that his wife would recover. Two years later, in 1966, the couple welcomed their only child, Constantine.

In 1969, Fanis decided to leave his job as a printer to open a pizza shop in Media with his brother, John. Together, they build a very successful business called Apollo Pizza on State Street. The business won numerous awards for their pizza while also becoming known as a caring family business.

While raising their son, Fanis and Alexandra continued active involvement with their church. Fanis served many years as a board member, including years as Vice President and President (1983). He also served as Greek Festival Chairman in the late 1980’s. During more recent times, Fanis spent a good many years singing in the church choir, which was his passion.

As a father, Fanis was an exemplary role model, showing his love for his church and family as well as dealing in a positive and encouraging manner with others.

Fanis is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Alexandra; his son Constantine (Sofia), and grandson, Theophanes.

May our beloved Fanis rest in peace. Funeral arrangements include a viewing on Friday August 16th from 10 am to 11 am at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, followed by the funeral service from 11 am to 12 pm. Interment will be at Fernwood Cemetery in Lansdowne, PA.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church.

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