Nikita G. Pantelis

Nikita G. Pantelis

Nikita G. Pantelis, born November 2, 1934, fell asleep in the Lord on May 5, 2026, at his home in Campbell, Ohio, surrounded by his beloved family.

He was born in Kalymnos, Greece, to George and Kiranna Pantelis, the eldest of seven children. He is survived by his siblings, Themelina Trikilis and Nikola Pantelis, and was preceded in death by his other siblings.

Nikita shared over 66 blessed years of marriage with his devoted wife, Sylvia Pantelis. Together they built a life centered on faith, community, and love of family. He is also survived by his  children, Coleen (Albert) Tabus, Karen (Fr. Constantine) Valantasis and George Pantelis; grandchildren, Sylvia (Niko) Leontaritis, Geri (Phil) Zagorianos, Albert (Sveta) Tabus, Athena (Ron) Tabus, Stephen and Nikita Valantasis, Nikita and Victoria Pantelis; great-grandchildren, Angelo, Panteleimon, Coleen, Maria, Nektarios, Albert IV, Alexandra, Sophia, Ronnie, Kaliope, Kiera, Lyudmila, Georgie, Jonah and among them is his great-grandson, Constantine Tabus, who reposed at eight months old and now rests with him in the promise of the Resurrection.

From his earliest years, Nikita’s life was marked by perseverance and sacrifice. He began working on fishing boats in Kalymnos, Greece at the age of five, and by thirteen was traveling the world on cargo ships, including those of the Onassis fleet. In 1958, he immigrated to the United States, where through hard work and determination he built a new life. He took great pride in becoming a United States citizen and in learning the English language. In time, he established his own bridge painting company, Pantelis Painting and later GNP.

A faithful member of Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, Nikita served on the parish council for seven years and remained deeply committed to the life of the Church. He was also a member of the Kalymnian Society and AHEPA. His Orthodox faith was the foundation of his life, and he often bore witness that it was this faith that sustained him through every trial.

He found joy in the simple and enduring gifts of life: traveling with his family, fishing, tending his garden, and a fresh loaf of bread each day. He had a remarkable ability to grow anything, but even more so, he cultivated a life rich in love. Those who knew him will remember him by his integrity, hearty laugh, and incredible generosity.

Above all, Nikita gave thanks for the gift of his family, whom he considered his greatest blessing and legacy. He was rarely happier than when surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing stories of his life, including his experiences during World War II and the Italian occupation of his ancestral island of Kalymnos—stories that will live on in the hearts of all those who heard them.

The Pantelis family has entrusted Nikita’s care to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell, Ohio. Calling hours will be held Monday, May 11, 2026 from 10-11am at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Campbell followed by a funeral service at 11am officiated by Father Constantine Valantasis and Father Steve Denas.

With faith in Christ and hope in the Resurrection, we commend his soul to the mercy of God, trusting in the promise of eternal life. “For Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.”

May his memory be eternal in the Kingdom of God.

Nikita will be laid to rest at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Cemetery in Campbell, Ohio.

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